Diagnosed in 20s after moving to larger city now in 60s
Probably originally triggered last century by a combination of house dust mites from a furnished flat’s carpets when I was too poor as a student to get them cleaned (which the landlord should have done) and higher city pollution. Itchy chin, tongue and front of my neck and coughing are distracting and happens more at night when I have forgotten to take my preventative inhaler, especially in cold and damp weather and or rye grass and birch pollen and mould spores. Hospitalised once overnight due to reaction to Ventolin (Salbutamol). Theatrical smoke effects trigger attack. Asthma impacts my life less than disabling Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Fibromyalgia. My sense of humour - I’m a former part time professional performance poet and event compère and full time broadcast and print journalist - and my commitment to my online work as a mental health professional motivate me. In UK. Friendly soul.
Thanks for sharing a little about yourself and your asthma. Welcome to this community! -Lauren (Team member) 
- hello there! So glad to have you here in the community. Having another friendly spirit in our community is a fantastic benefit. Welcome.
I read your post and can relate to your early history of triggers. My asthma began as an allergy to kittens. From there, my high school years triggered my attacks two-fold - riding the metro breathing in the exhaust fumes, and sucking in city pollution daily - it was difficult. Heading off to college I too was in apartments with dirty rugs and rarely cleaned rooms where dust layered the window sills and space heaters. Being a dance major the theaters were also a threat to my breathing. As you mentioned the smog/smoke machines were scary for me triggering terrible flares. On the East Coast, the different seasons each brought their troubles, as you mention the pollen, mold, and weather changes. For years this truly beat down my immune system. Now in adulthood, my asthma has become one of a few major chronic illnesses with concerning consequences. I avoid many things and am cautious in all I do. It's just a way of life now.
I'm truly sorry to hear you were hospitalized, and that you're dealing with more than one severe chronic illness. I hope that your breathing issues are managed and it helps to maintain a better sense of wellness and greater health. Possessing a sense of humor is certainly a favorable quality to have - wish mine was a little better. But trying to look at the world with a little less seriousness and a bit more laughs. Cheers to you - happy holidays. Rebecca (Team member)
