Asthma Attacks at Center Parcs
I have had very mild asthma most of my life (over the last 40 years) and I have found going for a break at Center Parcs is definitely is a trigger for asthma. I've been going to various Center Parc locations in the UK for quite a few years and have found that every time I go I have bad attacks of asthma.
At first I thought it was the pine trees or maybe people had taken animals into the lodges. Or maybe it was the cleaning products they use? But apparently they seem to be triggered by spending too much time in the swimming pool areas where there are hundreds of people using the facility at the same time creating poor air quality. With so many people mixing and all types of bacteria mixing with the chlorine, it is a disaster. As soon as I leave the pool area and go outsidem my chest just seizes up and I struggle to clear it with Ventolin.
Has anyone else experienced this? I come from an active/sporting background.
Hi! It's a shame that you're having such a hard time with asthma triggers when you're just trying to have a few days to rest! I've never been to Center Parc, but it does seem like the perfect combination of factors that could lead to an attack. 🙁 I think you have some good thoughts about why this might be happening. I know it's not the same, but some hotels have been awful for me, between the cleaning supplies or an old carpet or the heater, etc.
Do you swim in other public pools and have the same issues? If so, that might be a bad environment for you to be in. But I also did a quick look online and it sounds like some people did have complaints about the cleanliness there.Regardless, I hope you figure this out and, more importantly, I hope you find another safe place to enjoy the outdoors.
One more thought: If your Ventolin doesn't seem like it's helping when you have a flare-up, you should mention that to your doctor as they will likely want to change your dose or your medication. Asthma can change, and so it's normal for our medication needs to occasionally need an adjustment.
Be well and keep us updated if you can. -Melissa, team member
