Smoky air
I’ll be traveling to Santa Fe this week for work and very concerned about the smoke from the nearby fires. I’ll be wearing a mask outdoors, taking a nebulizer, inhaler and albuterol. Is there anything else I can do to ward off the inevitable?
Thanks!
Hi there. I am no expert in wildfires, but it seems like you have covered your bases as well as possible given the circumstances. Smoke is such an invasive trigger, and in situations like widespread fires, you can only do so much. I am sure one of our patient leaders will be along to offer their advice, but until then, my only suggestion would be to call your doctor's office to alert them of the trip and ask for advice. It will be helpful if they know what's going on ahead of time, just in case! But if you are traveling for business, hotels and similar buildings would typically keep windows closed and ventilation systems maintained. As long as you limit your time outside, you should be able to avoid the worst of it.
Have a good trip, and let us know how it was when you return!
p.s. Do you play the oboe? I just had to ask with a name like that! I am a former clarinet player, but I have a lot of respect for double-reed players. Too much work for me!! 😀 -Melissa, asthma.net team
Hi again, doublereeder - it's my pleasure. I hear you! By now, you may be enroute or, even already in Santa Fe. As long as you are aware of what 'may' affect you in this elevated city, I think you will be better able to address any issues that may arise. If all goes well, you may not experience any untoward effects at that altitude.
I will wish you 'good luck' and ask that you please check back and let us know how this all turns out for you.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)Hope you made it safely and are having a good trip! What a gift to be able to make a career of music. If you are feeling up for it after you return, I think it would be interesting to the community here if you shared a bit about how your asthma has affected your music performance and vice versa. The best place to do that would be in our Stories section, so more people can enjoy it:
www.asthma.net/storiesTake care, and congratulations on your retirement!! -Melissa, asthma.net team
Almost forgot -- here is a list of tips from the CDC which, while basic, may be informative for you. All the best!
Update
I’m back home and all went well. Nothing dramatic occurred although I made good use of the rescue inhaler. No problems performing other than a brief feeling of lightheadedness which I played through. Oboe reeds at 7000k altitude were another whole issue that I had to address, but was also successful in that. Thanks so much for the support!
Hi doublereeder - thanks for the update. So glad to hear the trip was a success and went well for you. Sometimes, being mentally prepared for what might happen is all it takes to get through a potentially challenging situation. My long-time friend (who was a lawyer for 50 years), used to tell me "Leon, hope for the best but prepare for the worst". That advice still serves me well today!
I bet the oboe reed story is a good one, too!
It's good to hear you are now back home!
Warmly,
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)Sounds like it was a nice time overall! Glad you are back safe and sound. And congratulations again!
