Being around smokers

Hi - have recently been semi-diagnosed as ""probable late-onset asthma"".

Am currently on my third course of pred in the last couple of months, following a bad weekend where my peak flow was down to 270. Peak flow is now back up to 600, so seems to be doing the trick (it should be 645-ish; am 37 and 6 ft). Am currently on Seretide 500 Accuhaler (1 puff, twice a day), plus blue Salbutamol as required.

We're still in the early stages, so it's hard to tell what the triggers are. I'm currently waiting for blood test results for general allergies, plus specific tests for house dust mites, grass and cats. (Also a glucose test, because my blood sugar was up last time, but they think the pred may have done that - just want to rule out diabetes).

Anyway (waffling, sorry), my question is this: I have been invited to a party tomorrow night, where I know there will be a number of smokers, and I'm not entirely sure what to do. I don't spend any time around smokers generally, and I'm not keen to aggravate things so soon after last weekend (lungs still feel a bit fragile). On the other hand, it may not be a trigger, and I don't want to stay in forever just in case.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks...

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Hello jizepi

Well ... all I can say /advice is that from experience most asthmatics do have a reaction to nicotine / smoke / ash, It is always hard to come to terms with adult onset asthma and my personal advice would be

1- Not to risk it

2 - if going out carry your blue inhaler at all time

3 - ask your friends not to smoke when around you or move to a ""clean air"" area

4 - if you do begin to wheeze / cough or feel unwell ... make your excuses and leave

Your health and well being its much more important than any party. Well good luck and take care of yourself

Hugs from the Orkney Isles

Susy

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i agree with Susy. I had the same problems when my ex used to want to go to the pubs on a Saturday night so Sundays were pretty much always a trip to hospital.

Smoke from cigarettes is vile at the best of times

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This is a tough one, it's so hard when smoking can exclude people.

I think the advice already given is good - if you do go be prepared and keep a close eye on yourself. If you start feeling tight get some air and take your blue inhaler.

Just try and remember that YOU are the most important person right now and decisions that effect your health come first.

All the best to you and take care,

From Cat x

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I agree with Susy too. Smoke is a huge trigger for me and also one of the hardest to avoid/get understanding from others (in my experience). I live in student halls which are supposed to be smoke free but I have students on my corridor and below me who smoke and I notice it has a big effect on me - I often notice an effect before going out of my room and realising what's probably caused it. If I were you I would avoid that atmosphere particularly as you are currently recovering.

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Thanks everyone

Thanks, I appreciate your thoughts and comments.

We're staying the night, so I think I'm going to go, but take my inhaler(s) and a good book. I'll try and stay away from the smoke, but if I start to feel things aren't going well, I can retire off to bed and have a read.

Life on the edge!

Thanks again.