Asthma Support Group

Asthma is a disease of the human respiratory system where the airways narrow, often in response to a "trigger" such as exposure to an allergen, cold air, exercise, or emotional stress. This airway narrowing causes symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, which respond to bronchodilators.

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thp636 01/14/2007

I work in a totally enclosed building with no windows that open. I noticed that I would feel fatigued and begin to cough after just a brief amount of time at work. My coughing would be significantly worse if I was exposed to cleaning products or air fresheners. At first I thought it was psychological due to stress but last night I tried something different. I totally removed all canisters of air freshener from the wall mounted machines that squirt a small amount out every six minutes. What a difference. I was energetic and felt GOOD! I'm elated. I always tried to hurry past these things so I would not be in the area when they squirted but I guess there must have been some residual amount in the air.

I'm still at risk for exposure to aerosols and my coworkers fragrances but my most significant problem seems to be solved. I feel a little stupid that I did not think of this before.

deleted_user 01/14/2007

Personally, I don't buy into the Sick Building Syndrome, but I do think your asthma is allergen-induced (like mine--I can't handle perfumes). Can you have a small fan on your desk?

I do wish that the people who design buildings would allow for some fresh air to come im...

Uther

thp636 01/14/2007

I have a large fan in my office and a small fan on my desk. I work in a unique environment.I'm a shift supervisor in the Intake Area of a large jail. We typically
have 50-70 people just off the streets. Out of necessity heavy duty air fresheners and cleaners are employed in this area. the air circulation also could be better. Disabling the ones near my office really helped. I still discovering what bothers me. So far smoke, fragrances ,temperature extremes, laughing and dust sets me off.(what doesn't ?)

deleted_user 01/16/2007

You might be eligible for disability in your position especialy if you've been there a long time, which it sounds like you have. This might be worth looking into and considering at some point, if only for a temporary need in the future.

thp636 01/17/2007

I have been with the department for 25 years. I am eligible to retire if I choose and I must admit that I have thought about it since I have developed this illness. But then I think that I have only been diagnosed since October and I want to see if I can get a handle on this. Hey, if Jerome Bettis can play in the Super Bowl with asthma, then surely I can go to work. Now if I can only minimize my exposure to triggers. As I stated earlier, disabling the air freshener did help. However I am still subject to unexpected exposure. We'll see how it goes.

deleted_user 01/19/2007

I understand much better now. Yeah, I can see where air fresheners would come in handy (in our city jail, we get lucky if we even get a shower. Of course the average stay is only about a week..)
Anyway, if the only way to avoid the triggers is to retire, then by all means do it. You put up with more stuff than jerome Bettis does on the field.

Uther

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