Do you use your inhaler before or after being around a known irritant?
So normal life as you know doesn't always coincide with asthma. I'm looking at doing some cleaning and probably some burning of some old building materials Etc. I was wondering in your experience is it better to use your inhaler before or wait and see if it bothers you and use it after you start to have symptoms? Just thinking maybe I should treat it like when I exercise and take it 15 minutes before. I'm not seeking medical advice just wondering what other folks have done in this situation. I have message my doctor as well. Thank you!
Hi. Eric. That is a good question. I usually do not use my rescue inhaler unless I am experiencing symptoms. Although, that is my asthma plan that I have worked out with my doctors. And it's also my personal preference. So, I think the best thing for you to do is see what your doctor has to say. Some doctors do recommend pre-medicating in such situations. So, it will be neat to see what your doctor has to say. Like you, I also find myself doing such tasks I suspect might trigger my asthma. So I hear you about normal life not always coinciding with asthma. Good luck. And let us know what your doctor says and how this works out for you. John. asthma.net community moderator.
so I decided to not pretreat before I did the cleanup but then it bothered me now at three 4 in the morning. And it was probably a good 10 to 12 hours ago that we finished. Kind of surprising that it can bother you that many hours later. I'm thinking the dust laying there in your lungs and maybe the mucus formed around it? Or perhaps lack of water today because as usual for me when I'm working at home I don't stop to take breaks. Something I am learning to do more often though I did at least stop once and have water while we working. Just don't think I had enough even though I did drink through the evening. Absolutely crazy how this can just smack you out of nowhere! I've been dealing with it for a few years now probably about 10 I don't think I'll ever get used to it. It certainly is an interesting phenomenon when that happens. And other asthmatics have also noticed this, and so have asthma researchers. Check out this post (https://asthma.net/living/late-phase-asthma-attack). John. asthma.net community moderator.
I think I am supposed to pretreat prior to exercise and also cold weather activities but it has been a while since I have discussed this with my provider. My asthma has been well controlled and some things that previously easily bother me, don’t seem to anymore so I just use my inhaler when I have symptoms. I am not usually a wheezer so I tend to treat when I notice my breathing feels more labored or I start coughing. yeah same for me ever since I got my asthma under control with a control inhaler good name for it LOL I don't have as many triggers either it seems also if I haven't been too naughty with my diet so my stomach feels right. Seems to help so things don't trigger. Not saying Rogue triggers don't happen of course.
Hi Eric, and thanks for your post. I see my colleague,, has already responded and shared his own personal experiences managing asthma from his perspective.
I, too, would like to share what generally works well for me. While walking/jogging, depending on the weather, I will use my rescue inhaler about 15 minutes before beginning, I also have the inhaler with me for the duration of the walk/jog. When doing tasks that expose me to triggers (cleaning, vacuuming, dusting, and working on the cars, I will take precautions like covering my nose and mouth with a mask. I also will wear surgical type gloves and sometime wear an eye shield, too. This can vary from task to task, but I do keep protective gear readily available.
I hope you find this brief response is helpful for you.
Please do check back and let us know how this all turns out for you.
Good luck!
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)1 bonus of covid is that we're all used to wearing masks, yes I plan on using a mask for sure when we're doing the cleanup. Thank you.
Hi again, Eric - you make a good point - it can make it much easier to wear a mask nowadays since we are all used to mask-wearing as a precaution during the pandemic.
Glad to hear you plan on protecting yourself while cleaning, too!
Enjoy the holiday!
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)
