Asthma and air-conditioning - mask?

[lucy_felton]

Every summer I struggle to breath at work due to the cold air pumped out by my organisation's air-conditioning. I am not sat near a vent, but the air in general is very cold. I also have perennial rhinitis (treated with mometasone furoate) and hay-fever treated with anti-histamines. Is there a there a mask I can buy to warm up the the air I breath in? At the moment I'm sat in the office with a scarf wrapped around my face bandanna-style and getting odd looks from my colleagues.

[strongmouse]

Lucy is it the cold air or are you reacting to the air conditioning itself? If it is the cold air I have no idea what might help.

However, air conditioning units can cause problems from dust / dust mites / or mould if they are not cleaned and filtered properly. Ask the maintenance department what type of air-conditioning it is and how often it is checked. (This is important under normal health and safety guidelines). In which case an anti-allergen mask would help, as would a proper air conditioning unit which is regularly maintained. My son has recently been diagnosed with dust mite allergy and his work environment is possibly aggravating his symptoms. However, I know that cold air can make asthma worse and I have no idea what might help you. Sorry. It is difficult at work where we can't control the environment.

[jamesxW]

Every Organisation has a Duty of Care to look after the Well-being of its employees. They are legally obliged to. Ask HE or H&S or Estates to turn the Air com up so it is comfortable for you. Share information with them that shows the link between asthma and cold air. Good luck.

[Donkster]

HI did you find anything to help when breathing in cold air