Asthma Support Group

I'm afraid that it is an ongoing process. If you are susceptible to irritants, then things like fragrances, cigarette smoke, dust, temperature, cleaning products, and a lot of etc, could cause you difficulty. Stress, laughter, and physical exertion could also be a trigger.
We are all different but those are some common triggers. I'm sure some other members of the group can give you many more. Only you will be able to work out which ones really bother you.
I hope that your meds keep things under control.

My allergies are so numerous....we just skipped ID'ing all that jazz. LOL I do use Singulair to help stop reactions to allergens. Maybe you could try some allergy meds OTC or ask your doc about some help until Spring is done blooming.

Yes, sounds like you have "sensitivities" more than allergies. To me, there is no difference but my allergist believes there is. Either way, you need to learn what yours are and I agree with thp636, it is an ongoing process.

Asthma strikes people of all ages and stages in life. It seems not to care if you are in fit shape or morbidly obese. It is lots to contend with but I deal with it (now) as something that frames who I am but not something that defines me. I cannot do certain things, but I can live my life. I have full blown ugly episodes of exacerbations and things but I do have fairly normal moments when I am free from my triggers. So, life goes on.

Hope this helps.

Here here ! Well said Rona !!

Thank you all for your responses.

No matter how many questions I ask, of the various doctors that I've seen, none of them have responded as clearly as all of you have.

Rona, I hope your normal moments exceed your episodes. I have more work to do in accepting where I am. It's been slow to sink in that I can't just identify, apply a treatment and live as usual.

I agree with you about more work to do. If you see me in one of my episodes, remind me how well i've worked on acceptance. When ill, it is a very hard thing to fight when you feel so weary from it. I have had severe asthma since August 2007. I never like it and you most likely would find me complaining about it. Nonetheless, I do treasure my healthy times. Today, I walked to the place where I get my hair cut. The sun was warm and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. How I treasure my lungs that let me enjoy it. How much I miss it when I'm too ill to just open my door.

luv2bike, please know this isn't something to "apply treatment and live as usual". This is a chronic illness and as much as we try to will it to go away, it doesn't see to be able to disappear or be controlled that way.

I'm glad you find DS helpful. Keep asking questions and learning what to do to cope with this. I find the same....lots of wisdom here that has helped me through this. Glad we both found this site!

I am 40 and was diagnosed with adult onset asthma 5 years ago. At first, it was thought to be caused by allergies. As time has progressed somethings that bothered me in the beginning don't bother me as much. I have added new triggers as time ha passed though.

It is trial and error unfortunately. As time passes you will become more aware of your triggers and find ways to avoid them. Some things can't be avoided though. One of my strong triggers is weather changes. There is no real good way to avoid barometric changes in the weather though. I do what I can, but problems will occur.

It is a good idea to keep a journal. Either on here or on paper. When you notice certain feelings pertaining to your asthma, jot down what is going on around you. Is someone wearing perfume, are the trees/flowers blooming, did you eat something different, has the weather changed, etc. Then you can compare notes to see what is causing you the most problems.

Take your list to your doc and they should be able to give you some advice.

Good luck and know you aren't alone...

~Robin

Hi luv2bike. Welcome to the group. I also have adult-onset asthma which started 2.5 years ago. It took me nearly that long to get to the point that I can accept it. It helps that I don't have severe asthma, but I'm easily reactive to my triggers: wood smoke, cig smoke, cold air, dehydration, laughing too hard, crying too hard, yelling too loud, 99% of all man-made fragrances (not fun!), and strong odors, to name the major ones.

You mentioned sinus problems. My dr has told me to do a sinus rinse at least once a day. It really helps, when I do it. Unfortunately, I'm not very consistent. My dr said that asthma affects our entire respiratory system, from the nasal passages to the deepest parts of our lungs. You might try a sinus rinse to see if it will help. It's a little awkward to do at first, but I got the hang of it pretty quickly. I use NeilMed Sinus Rinse. They have a complete kit you can buy for a reasonable price.

Take care,
Twitchy

Thank you Robin and Twitchy,

I have been making my own nasal irrigation solution of 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp baking soda to 1 C room temp water. Now that my toddler no longer needs the "boogie sucker", I use it to irrigate my nasal passages. You are right, it is very helpful.

With pollen season I am finding daily irrigation helpful.

I just wanted to say that I've found this whole thread very helpful -- I am also struggling with acceptance, and having to switch my priorities to taking better care of my health.