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Unexpected asthma triggers

Asthma triggers are just about everywhere. Do you have any asthma triggers that surprised you? Is it easy for you to navigate this trigger?

  1. I would love to hear of others' unexpected triggers. For me, I was surprised this holiday when I chose to have a beer right before dinner. Almost immediately my asthma worsened quite a bit. I hadn't had one in quite a while. It made enjoying the food and conversation very difficult. I sincerely regret my choice. Thankfully, with my rescue inhaler, I was able to enjoy dessert. Choices - life is about choices. Next time I'll pick up an iced green tea. How about everyone else? Rebecca (team member)

    1. I notice after I had Covid, if I have really spicy-hot foods, my asthma gets triggered! I'm Mexican. I eat a lot of spicy peppers and such. Now I have to use mild peppers. It's so weird!

    2. That must be very challenging, especially if you are used to a particular meal plan or favorite dishes from your culture. Not too familiar with the results and after-effects of COVID, but from what I understand there are a few culprits when spicy foods begin to cause breathing problems. I learned salicylates in spices can cause attacks in those sensitive to them. They are in a lot of things such as coffee, tea, and as mentioned herbs and spices. Also, it's been discovered stomach acid caused by spices can irritate the lungs and airways making those with asthma quite susceptive to frequent flares. Or it's just that the virus has made your lungs quite a bit more sensitive to irritants (??). I hope you find the milder peppers satisfying enough and can stay away from spicy, too-hot foods. I feel for you - many love the spicy Mexican foods - quite delicious. Other than spice intolerance, how are managing after COVID? Thanks for sharing this unusual asthma trigger. Rebecca (team member)

  2. I'm fortunate enough to not have surprise asthma triggers from food/drinks but I do know my other health issues triggers. I know my limitations so it's very important so flare-up if possible.

    1. It’s great that you don’t face surprise triggers from food and drinks. I know being mindful of other health issues and limitations can still be difficult, especially during the holiday season. Avoiding flare-ups shows a lot of self-awareness and reflection. I've got to be more vigilant when it comes to my asthma triggers. Thanks for sharing. Rebecca (team member)

  3. I had a pretty bad thing at work the other day, wasn't thinking clearly to do the inhaler. Someone had a peanut candy.I was so cold and dizzy. Change so much In the weather I guess, too warm than cold. I get allergic.

    1. I keep one in my purse and a second in a tote bag

    2. So smart, Kelsey! I'm glad to hear that you are prepared for whatever comes your way. All the best, Lauren (Team member)

  4. I have a peanut allergy, I don't know if it could be a combination of both weather and the fact that the candy was at my station, I work where I have to serve out salads, and some of them have peanut as well..so this feeling of knives stabbing, and not being able to breath, I have had before, and the dizzy feeling. This was so scary, and it's happening so often.

    1. how horrible for you. Can you wear a mask when salads with nuts are nearby or when serving them out? Have it in your pocket or ...? As you know already, a peanut allergy can have devastating results. I hope that you can speak with a manager about this severe health issue. Maybe they can come up with a new plan or position for you. It reminds me of the saying "If you don't ask for it, you won't get it". Is there harm in asking concerning your job? That knife feeling has got to be quite difficult for you. It sounds scary. I had an experience like that and I was terrified. I send you a breath of fresh air and hope that something changes so you can find peace and better breathing control as you work. Thoughtfully, Rebecca (team member)

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