COPD & Emphysema Support Group

COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...

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SoftFlower 12/19/2011

I had a very active weekend off shopping and going to the movies.

Last night we put up our tree and with in a hour I had an awful Asthma attack, and then another one this morning.

Both attacks were while I was at rest, and bad enough that I couldn't catch my breath enough to even speak...

Thank goodness for nebulizer treatments:)

I was wondering if those of you who have an Asthma component or pure Emphysema are having problems with dry heat, and new things like trees coming into your houses like I am?

Thanks,

Hope your all having a happy and easy breathing day,

Love,
Holly

Peta44 12/19/2011

I have pure emphysema Holly but I can imagine I would react to a real pine tree in the house, also dusty decorations could trigger an attack too I think.

Here is something about 5 holiday Asthma Triggers:

http://www.symptomfind.com/health/holiday-asthma-triggers/

I know some people get benefit from a humidifier if dry heat is a problem. Sometimes just putting a bowl of water in the rooms may help if it is a dry heat problem.

Hope you find things settle down soon.

Hugs
Peta

LilEllie 12/19/2011

Holly, having classic (my description) emphysema with associated asthmatic components, I no longer use live trees because of just what you described. The smells and pollen that came with it was the culprit.

As you probably know dry heat can cause a problem also and with the two combined, I am guessing that is the primary reason of your breathing problem.

I do keep green plants in my house but they seem to be compatible with my situation.

Sorry for you problem and hope it getts better.

SoftFlower 12/19/2011

Thanks for your replies and advice!

I have the humidifier running which does seem to help.

Its a huge lesson learned for sure.

You both are really nice to help me breath better with your advice..

Love,
Holly

Sue825 12/19/2011

Holly, I had to give up real Christmas trees at least 30 years ago. Besides the pollen and the smells, almost every Christmas tree on the planet has some sort of mold growing in all the little crevices in the bark. That is natural and normal for the tree, but devastating for those of us with asthma. And I would think that if the season has been very wet before the tree was cut, that it would be even worse. I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but you may want to consider an artificial tree next year. And then, even with those, you have to be careful of dust.

I hope that you can get your breathing under control, so that you don't get sick from this. That would be very sad. Feel better soon! Hugs, Sue

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