Asthma Trigger Help

Also I should note I work as a Desktop Support Analyst in an automotive plant. I am also willing to try alternative medicine like acupuncture.

Hi Nick

I'm afraid I am unable to give you much direct help however, one of your items did cause me to wonder.......

I had allergy tests for many years as a child through to early twenties.   One of the things that showed itself quickly was an allergy to cats.   The dog reaction was virtually nil.

As a newly-wed we took in an unwanted dog (after all, I had no reaction to dogs on the allergy test...).   My asthma very slowly, almost imperceptibly worsened over ten years or so until I had a severe attack and nearly died.   Still nothing clicked in the family.

One day, our dog was killed in a road accident and slowly and again imperceptibly, my asthma began to improve.

In other words, although I didn't react to dogs in the allergy test, I must have had something going on with owning a dog as I improved so much after he was not with us.

Can I suggest you try living without your cats for a month or so - obviously not easily undertaken but it may be possible to re-home them with a friend...?   Have a thorough clean and if after a few weeks you find you have stabilised you'll know what your trigger was.

I understand that mosts of your attacks are at work but I am wondering if some of your co-workers have cats at home and are bringing in dander etc., with them?   Just a thought.   I am sure there are better qualified people here who can advise you but this is a personal experience of mine which may possibly be relevant for you.

I hope you have some good advice soon.

Regards

?GrammyBea

Hi nick sorry to hear you're suffering the spring is almost here along with all the pollens and I think birch is one of the first.

Is the plant where you work air conditioned as if not filtered may circulate pollens dander etc .

I start with hay fever early and have started my medication already otherwise my asthma goes to pot . Do you drink alcohol?i find if I drink a lot that can worsen my asthma .hope this gives you some ideas. Regards

Have you noticed at work does your asthma attacks happen when leaves are falling ...in fall ? There is mold under there. Are you using your allergy pills ? What is at work that you are't noticing ? 

 

You need a nebulizer with Albuterol or a combination of liquids if you don.t have one and you may need to take treatments 4 x day and your inhaler in between , plus prednisone on a slow taper  +antihistamine s and Advair or Spiriva plus fresh air. It sounds as though you are doing all the enviromental things and numerous physicians who must be giving you good advice,but 5 very severe attacks since March or May is not good,and you need to realize how serious and consider a job change and be faithful in taking your medicines and continue to do so even when you get stronger. It will take a long time to recover from all those attacks and you must try not to be around crowds so you won't get a cold or virus .

If the air at work is full of particles from autos, oil ,gas , metals ,paints and the most toxic of all exhaust fumes,you must get away from that or your asthma may become even less controllable.

i have had asthma all my life. I am now 74,and the last 5 years have been hard with the last year Has been severe, but not nearly as bad as you.I have lots of medicine, know how to cope with flares, even so I have had some days that I am totally dependent on my husband, for insulated drinking cups for ice water,dinners, cleanup etc. The hospitals are full of patients who have respiratory diseases and I can't go near them,even the Dr.s. offices make me feel like I'm going to catch something... which is not my normal personality.  I hope you are. Going to make some good decisions that will lead to better health.

I would use hand sanitizer at work and have asthma attacks there. It seemed to absorb through my skin. I also have problems with smoke on peoples clothes. Mine is bad like yours. There also may be mold somewhere at work like the duct system or somewhere. Hope this helps.