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Naturesvalley profile image
9 Replies

Long time since I have asked a question. I love my aroma therapy essential oil diffuser but I am finding that I am coughing alot when it has been on for a long period. Can anyone give me some advice on this.

Should I or should not be using this when I have asthma ( still relatively new to asthma )

Thanks

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Naturesvalley profile image
Naturesvalley
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9 Replies
fraid profile image
fraid

Obviously not if it’s making you ill…

Homely2 profile image
Homely2Administrator

Asthma is all about finding what works or does not work for you. Everybody is different, so if it makes you cough, stop using it.

Lysistrata profile image
LysistrataAdministratorCommunity Ambassador

As others have said, if it's making you cough, then don't use it. It's likely that whatever you have in it is triggering your asthma - so I would avoid using that oil in other places too eg on your pillow.

Not every asthmatic is triggered by scents, and even those who are may not be triggered by all of them. But it is something to be careful with, especially when you're new to asthma and still working out your triggers. I would avoid using anything in your diffuser unless you're absolutely sure it's not a trigger, as it will be hard to escape if you do react to it if it's being diffused through the air.

It also won't help if oils are 'natural' or good quality ones - that can make it worse in fact, as they're more concentrated. I react to plenty of natural substances - with asthma that's no guarantee it won't be an issue.

Poobah profile image
Poobah

You may have all the windows closed and the central heating on, which will exacerbate the impact of your essential oil diffuser as the indoor winter air is dryer, thank to our effort to keep warm.

As Lysistrata has explained, every asthmatic has their own triggers and it take a while to figure out what yours are. Something as simple as humidity can be a trigger, be it too low (under 30%) or too high (over 45%). Mix that with scents, cleaning products, dust mites and it can just exacerbate things.

I struggle in dry conditions but I also hate high humidity. I love things that smell nice, but aromas make me wheeze. I feel like Goldilocks at times. Keeping a diary of symptoms and possible triggers can help identify any patterns.

teddyd profile image
teddyd

I ditched mine years ago. The minute I opened the wee bottles of oil it triggered my asthma.. Like a lot of others I am sensitive to smells. If it triggers your asthma I would suggest to dont use it or any oils.

Ts777 profile image
Ts777

I used to have the same issue. I now know that there are some oils that I need to avoid. Also, I love citrus (my Favourite is orange and ginger) but I know that I’m fine with citrus for an hour, but no longer.

As long as you’re using good essential oils, I could be just a matter of working out what you’re reacting too.

Note: my lungs can object violently to the manufactured diffusers, they may say they use essential oils but must put other stuff in as well…. I think you’ve worked this out already!!!

Gareth57 profile image
Gareth57

I have found it is not always the essential oils but the way they get into the air, I'm pretty much ok with reed diffusers but not the little bowls with a candle heating underneath, we used to have loads of candles around the house but now can't light them (much to my wife's annoyance)

Birthday60 profile image
Birthday60

probably not - why not try just putting the essential oil on a dish without the diffusers?

Karenjaninaz profile image
Karenjaninaz

Oils are dangerous for lungs; they cannot handle them. On advice of pulmonary doctor even oils to lubricate a dry nose are verboten.

(Retired nurse anesthetist here.)

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