I am getting really irritated by my local shops.
The local pharmacy now sells perfume, with samples people use in the pharmacy. The local card shop sells smelly candles, so buying a wedding anniversary card is an ordeal.
I have just gone to the pharmacy and the card shop, my asthma is now distinctly unhappy, and I am thinking what to do about it, other than being condemned to wear a mask just to do normal things
Sorry, rant over.
It might be worth mentioning the perfume samples to the pharmacy to see if they could move them as far as possible from the area where prescriptions are collected.
As for the card shop, could you stock up on cards for a few months ahead at another card shop which doesn't have candles? I go to a nearby town 1-2 times a year and buy all the cards I will need in one go from a card shop that only does cards!
on-line shopping saves me.
My world has become very small.
Cambridge masks are pretty good - not much gets through them, so long as you get it tight to your face.
It’s rubbish being allergic to the world isn’t it?
Hi, sorry to hear about your struggle but I’m afraid it’s becoming quite common these days. I have asthma and allergies and it’s a nightmare even walking through shopping centres when they have kiosks in the middle with burning incense sticks! I had to stop going to my favourite shop where they put smelly diffusers right by the entrance. I’m afraid I can’t suggest anything else apart from wearing masks or avoiding these shops and shopping online. Good luck 🤞
that is annoying. I would definitely ask your pharmacy to move the perfumes , especially if it’s your regular pharmacy and it would be hassle to change. They should understand and care for their customers… for the card shop, unfortunately you may have to go online for that one. You could let them know they will be losing a customer , but I don’t know if they would stop that candles.
I can understand it is annoying. My poor wife is always making sure to spray perfumes etc outside or in the bathroom after I’ve used it. It’s strange that im not confirmed allergic but the smells set me off. Also had this issue at work with someone using deodorant at work and smoking near the back door. Managed to get that sorted though. I once really struggled in a taxi with strong air freshener and locked windows , who was also speeding. There’s many difficult situations.
If it were me I would ask the pharmacy to accommodate and avoid the card shop
I also don't have allergic asthma and respond badly to perfumes/sprays/deodorant - it's relatively common across many types of asthma. It's not really an allergic response, it triggers asthma a different way.
That’s interesting to know , thank you
When I last visited my local pharmacy to collect my inhaler. There were 2 men waiting in the shop. They left and the pharmacy assistant came out from the back of the shop and sprayed perfume all over. As I have allergic asthma and one of my triggers is perfume, this affected me straight away and I almost lost my voice and ended up wheezy, thankfully I always have my reliever in my bag. Had to go wait outside. Complained to the assistant and said that they should ask first if anyone is allergic to scents before spraying it all over the shop.
oh yes I feel your pain about stuff like that. I went into a shop today and as soon as I walked through the door it was a wave of purfume. Had to go back outside, put a mask on and really rush round the shop.
I too am badly affected by strong smells. Lots of shops I avoid.M y current chemist thankfully does not seem to sell perfume, my previous one did so I got my prescription delivered or in the robot. Large department stores are a no no ,even walking past people with excessive amount of perfume or deodorant is awful. Its certainly difficult to avoid. I understand people are not going to change their habits so I need to make the changes that are best for me.
Ps rants are good x
I am the same. If it's a regular shop I use, I ask nicely for them to move it. Happy to educate people. Cigarette smoke & vaping are a real challenge for me too. Especially when people have a last puff of vape before entering a store, so you know they will breathe it out in the store. Vigilance is all I have found useful & hold my breath and walk away quickly. I can't wear a mask as warm humidity is one of my triggers too
I do all of card shopping on line - so never an issue. I also do the vast majority of my grocery shopping on line - and that also covers household goods, washing machine capsules etc., even make up….!! My asthma diagnosis came in 2019 at the tender age of 73….and I was rapidly put under the respiratory clinic. Throughout the pandemic, I was classified as extremely clinically vulnerable, so that’s when the online shopping began - and as it was so extremely convenient, I’ve continued with it. I’ve recently been discharged from the clinic, with the advice to call the consultant’s secretary for an appointment, should I need further help. I am on Fostair 200/6 as MART (prescribed by my consultant and approved by my GP), Fexofenadine, Carbocisteine, Montelukast, Nasonex nasal spray, Omeprazole and Spiriva….this combination seems to finally have my asthma reasonably under control.
Yes, I become hypersensitive to perfume, changes in air temperature and humidity, during the grass pollen season. However, I find they make me cough a little, even in the winter.
I just keep a mask with me, to use when going into perfume-/vape-loaded environments, or when the air is very cold. It helps a lot.
What's your opinion of the Asthma Attack Card?
IV Ventolin for s/c infusion and GSK
Floundering and unsure. Need help and advice please. 
