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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So frustrated, airways burning!

mamamoe
mamamoe
I am sorry for this rant but I just need to vent.
I went in my hometown for a Reiki (energy type massage treatment) as I've had two prior sessions over the last 3 months.

The first one I slept like a baby that night...the 2nd one back in January I was getting bronchitis so I'm not sure it helped....

Well, today I went and noticed a strong perfumy, (like Downy Fabric softener). I had noticed a slight smell the last time I was there but it seemed manageable. Anyway, the smell was awful and I felt my airways feel raw and I couldn't breathe and I had to leave. I was disappointed about the session and also angry that a natural health professional uses those kind of chemicals. More than anything, I think I am mad that this is part of the disease I have and I can't do a da--thing about it!

Throat is still burning....not sure what to do. Guess I won't go there anymore.....Thanks for letting me vent.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Oh, what a nasty experience. I would tell the owners what happened so others might be spared too. People who don't have our sensitivities don't have a clue as to the effect it has upon us!

Hugs, Cindy
deleted_user
deleted_user
I agree with Cindy......let the owners know...............they prolly want everything smelling fresh and clean for the clients............and prolly don't even realize that many folks just can't handle those "perfumed" things.
deleted_user
deleted_user
You should tell the owner about the smell. I had to stop going to the hair salon because of the smell you can feel your throat closing up and can't breathe.
God bless
deleted_user
deleted_user
I can see that happen. I avoid soap aisles in the stores, areas with scented candles and women that think bathing in perfume is the norm. All these used to just bother me a bit, Now it's like my throat clamps shut and I can't breathe.
You could try and see if they changed softeners or were using a scent in the room and if they couls not use it wheh you were there - see what comes of it...

Hugs,
Dennis
higginsp
higginsp
It sounds like maybe they were trying some type of aroma therapy that backfired. Like the others, I would suggest talking with the owner and the person who gave you the massage to let them know how it affected you. They can't change something if they don't know about it. I'm sure they would want to give you a good experience.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have a good friend that does that here in fl & she said to tell you to let the owners know for health reasons - no fumes - & she said they WILL stop it
deleted_user
deleted_user
moe, Vent all you need, we're all family here. Like everyone else I strongly suggest you let the owners know why you had to leave, and the level of sensitivity you have to these type of odors. I am sure that the owner will appreciate it. Please take care, Bill
deleted_user
deleted_user
This used to happen to me when I went into a Victoria Secret's store. My Secret now is that perfumed air keeps me from breathing and their secret is that they are glad because they don't think I have the body for their clothes any longer in any event!!

One time I asked them at Victoria's Secret if they had minimizer bras. They looked at me as if I had grown another head and told me that they only sold maximizers! Sigh.............
deleted_user
deleted_user
Moe, I'm sorry you had this bad experience. I have had it happen a few times, too. I hope you feel better soon.
bjrapp2020
bjrapp2020
Honey that is terrible.
But it is related to our disease because I had to gently tell my church ladies the reason I was not letting anyone hug me anymore was because their perfume and hair spray is over whelming. They seemed to understand and a few even quit wearing it , so they say.
And the candles do the same. I don.t know the answer to it, but just about and smell stronger than water will shut my lungs down quick!!
I am sure if you explain the situation to the lady she would understand. If not, take your business elsewhere. Your health should be #1 priority now.
Hope you get it worked out and get to feeling better
Brenda
mamamoe
mamamoe
Hi Everyone,
Thanks....The young lady that was doing the Reiki session was nice, but she didn't understand. She still charged me for part of the session. I understand why but don't really like it. I've attempted several times to call the owner but he is "always in session." I think I will write a letter. I do know other places I can go that respect me with this issue. You are right Brenda, almost anything stronger than water affects me.
Cindy, you are funny LOL. Victoria just isn't very accommodating !
ladylungs
ladylungs
Cindy is funny! You go girl! It is a shame that this happened. I as probably all of us know the feeling! It can really ruin a whole day or even more if the odor really causes significant trouble! I hope the burning stops for you quickly. Could you try to breathe in some light steam boiled on top of the stove? God bless and speed the healing!
redvelvetcake
redvelvetcake
Definitely a concern for my father too, who has emphysema. No perfumes in our house! I am also allergic to those things. I find my anxiety is reduced when calling ahead to places to let them know of the allergy and sensitivity. I f ind a shower or a sinus rinse (distilled water only) can help with the burning if you are allowed to have those by your doctor. Lastly, let the owners know, maybe they will comp that last night that you had to leave? Hope this helps!
higginsp
higginsp
My problem is people at work who took a bath in their favorite perfume. I start coughing real bad and have to step outside into the wonderful world of pollen (the lesser of two evils). I used to love wearing perfume (not letting it wear me), but now I can't take it. I also wash my clothes in scentless detergents.