Perfume causes another asthma attack

Most people love perfume and body sprays. There's nothing wrong with wanting to smell good, but as my neighbor always says "people don't have to take a bath in it!!!"

I went to the theater this weekend to see the new Captain America movie. As we were watching the previews, I smelled some REALLY stinky sweet perfume. Ugh. I looked around to see if I could figure out where it was coming from.  I thought it was a woman who had just sat down 2 rows behind me. So, I got up and moved up a few rows. 

 

It seemed better, then suddenly it was MUCH worse. I think it was the woman sitting across from me. Great!!! So I got up and moved about 15 rows up. The smell seemed to come and go. I think she was sitting under one of the air conditioning vents, and every time the AC would turn on, it would spread the smell of her perfume. 

 

Many people don't realize that perfume can be an asthma trigger. 

Then it started........first I started to sneeze, then I started coughing. Yes, I was having an asthma attack! I pulled out my inhaler and spacer, shook it, then took a puff. I waited a minute and then took another puff.

I tried to take a deep breath and do a little belly breathing, but couldn't because I would start coughing again. I coughed off and on for most of the movie and my chest hurt. You can forget trying to eat popcorn when you are coughing!! Or trying to enjoy a movie!!

Remember, that what may NOT bother you or trigger an asthma attack can trigger one for other people. Here is a list of the most common asthma triggers. What's yours?

Please keep in mind that some of us have asthma attacks from perfume. Please limit (or don't wear) your perfume if you are going to be in a public place and people will be stuck sitting near you (such as theaters, conferences, performances, or while traveling on planes, conferences, etc) 

I thank you and my lungs thank you.