Does anyone else have a problem with asthma triggers in the workplace?
I am very sensitive to microwave popcorn, perfumes, and scented candles. The people I work with are very insensitive to this. How do I handle the problem?
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When people clean or dust around me, it triggers my allergies and sometimes I get a little wheezy.
Hi shellzoo, and thanks for your response. I hear you! For me, it is similar. Working in health care organizations, wearing the mask is required and, as I am sure you know, for good reason! Like you, I always have my rescue inhaler with me, just in case!!
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)
I truly understand this issue - when it's a job it's hard to remove yourself. I worked in medical records years ago, and it seems like those files and cabinets had so much dust on them. It was usually kicked up each time a file was grabbed for a patient. Masks back then were not a thing and I felt sick ALL the time. My rescue inhaler was handy for situations like this. Needless to say I didn't work there for more than 2 years - it was torture on my allergies, asthma, and migraines.
Hi DeeC, and thanks so much for your post. While I'm hopeful you will hear from others in the community with their own anecdotal experiences (thank you, Shellzoo, for chiming in here!), we do have some published material that specifically addresses your concern. I thought you might gain some additional insight from this article: https://asthma.net/q-and-a/triggers-in-the-workplace/.
I do hope you find it to be helpful.
All the best,
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)I am retiring at the end of this year because of a chemical smell in the bags we use at work. I'm a cashier at a grocery store and once or twice a week I have asthma attacks. It happens when we get really busy and I'm using the bags a lot. I planned on retiring at the end next year when I turn 65. But because of the bags I'm retiring early.
Hi april, and thanks for chiming in here. We appreciate you sharing your plans to retire a bit early with the community. I believe you may be able to turn this into an advantage. As much as I enjoy working, now that I am retired (for 3+ years), I am hoping I can maintain my health and live long - take advantage of being retired. There is so much to do with family, children, grandchild (but hopefully more), and life in general. Life is good - being grateful for what we have is an important part of it!
Of course you know you are always welcome here! If there is anything we can do to assist you, please let me or any other moderator / team member know.
Wishing you well!
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)
That's frustrating. Did the begs start having that chemical smell in the past few years or has this been going on for a while? Regardless, I am glad to hear you're doing what's best for you. I hope that you find good health and much contentment in retirement! -Melissa, asthma.net team
Yes it is frustrating. They had the smell for the last few years. I guess with asthma I'm more sensitive to it. It will take some getting used to. I'm used to being around a lot of people everyday. One year after I retire my husband will be retiring too. Then I will enjoy it.
