I’ve recently been diagnosed with COPD (November 2012), in hindsight I’ve probably had it for a while, but put symptoms down to my thyroid and SVT. I never bothered to speak to the GP, as I didn’t think it was as bad as it has turned out to be.
My problem now is cleaning products, although not all, they make me wheeze and get SOB. I would like to know if anyone has had similar problems and what they used instead?
Hoping you wonderful people will be able to help.
Hugs
Cass xx
The ability to reply to this post has been turned off.
Hi Cass, I know from previous posts that certain cleaning products seem to affect a lot of us with copd, me included. I never use an aerosol of any kind (cleaning products or hair spray etc), they really do seem to affect my lungs, and even recently found Flash with Febreze even seemed to affect me, the smell is so strong and I seemed to be able to "feel" it in my lungs. My lovely cleaning lady has started using washing up liquid for some jobs, and I've found that Tesco antibacterial cleanser seems fine with me. I think it's a case of "suck it and see", but aerosols and heavily fragranced products seem the worst for me. Libby
It does seem that anything that gives off a strong smell or fume's effects my breathing. The worst one to date was after my wife had used a carpet cleaner when vaccuming. I walked into the house and my lungs felt like they were burning up. At first I did'nt realise what was happening but then realised there was a strong scented smell in the air. I soon worked it out and now we are much more carefull about what we use and when we use it. I know it sounds bad but when the word 'cleaning' is mentioned, I'm out'a there!!!
Thank you Libby7827 and Dall05, so trial and error will have to do, although I will pass to my neighbour's my aerosols.
A friend of mine with copd died just before Christmas after cleaning his carpet,so be careful please with all cleaning agents, oven cleaner is the worst one for me,best to ask someone else to clean it while you stay out of the way or use a soap or bicarb solution.
Paint smells, hairspray and air fresheners of any type affect me the most.
Lynne xx
Lynne, have you come across the "Breatheasy" paint that Crown are now producing?
I've tried that paint and it still has a kick like a mule to my chest.
Damn expensive experiment and a very uncomfortable one too.
Thanks - saved me from the same. x
yes, i am the same. cant use chemical cleaning products. i have a book which has thousands of natural cleaning products in and their uses, and my partner is extremely supportive. always getting lemons, and white vinegar etc etc, Its best NOY to use any chemical when you have copd. i dont use any spray toilettries either. Hpe you get on ok, and manage to cope.
NOT not NOY, sorry!
Thank you everyone, as usual on this site your input is amazing.
oven cleaner has always been a really bad one for me!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I thought it was just me!
Wife's nail "stuff" - even several rooms away has me gasping. Also, scented candles, leather shoe cleaner, furniture polish, deodorants and over-cooked toast!
I didn't dare ask!
do not use the heavy stuff cillit bang is lethal even with doors and windows open, I find plain diluted flash or fairy liquid the best.
ya my daughter cant get used notusing most cleaning things mainly having any in the toilet now them duck thing that press on to the side were killing me but ive now found out it not just sprys even just fresh flowers are to strong for me now
Not sure about that one i bought a air purifier for my home and takes out all these odours and chemicals smoke and bacteria etc althoug its made no difference to me as i have had chronic sinitus all my life since a boy and now with the copd thought i would get one. But does not appear to have made any difference to me but may help you ( one with hepa filtration is best. The good thing is my rescue chihuahua who has had a dry but runny nose since she came to me is now in peak condition and no more runny noses for the dog. So not all bad. Might help around the home you never no. Mark h
yep any and most air fresheners are a risk.... and in confined spaces too, like a car; if you open a window while hoovering is wise.lungs needTLC be wise good people
Paint, kerosene smell makes me sick. The harmful chemical fumes are harmful for us. We should take care of this.
reach certification ( sitmaereachservices.com/rea... )
I had to stop wearing perfume, I buy the body lotions now what a difference,x
The ability to reply to this post has been turned off.
What household cleaning products do you use?
Copd 
catteracts and COPD
Copd
COPD 
