Help with flying and asthma

[Lindylou22]

Hello you lovely lot xx I have grown into asthma after the menopause… yuk .. triggers are purfume and strong chemical smells :: deodorant and especially LYNX … any advice on how I can fly to Florida ? I feel like my world has become so much smaller … also to top it all loosing my job as they are not agreeing with the reasonable adjustments put in place from OCCY HEALTH … carer for the council for 28 years ! Any advice would be greatly appreciated xx

Help

What does your asthma plan say? If you don't have one get an appointment with your asthma nurse and get a plan in place.

Mine says when I know there is a trigger to take two puffs of my blue inhaler. But I don't know if that's what you should do. They may also be able to advise on upping dosages. My plan is really detailed and tells me.

I've flown twice a year since being diagnosed with asthma in 2018. I have not had any exacerbations during flights. I was on a MART plan using just Fostair 100/6 as maintainer and also reliever if needed, but just recently I've been put on Spiriva as well. I know how it feels with strong perfumes, deodorants (some Sanex!), after shave etc. Fabergé Brut makes me sneeze and cough at the same time. Can't bear scented or bio laundry products or clothes washed in them. But funnily enough, in planes I'm fine. Maybe they filter the air?

The air is filtered on planes from memory

Are you allowed to up your background inhalers for a couple of weeks before travel?

Does it help to take blue a little before meeting potential triggers?

The guys in my office were happy to change their spray habits when asked

Hi OP, I also get exacerbated by strong scents, but I've had asthma for 40yrs so I'm well used to it.

I have never had an issue on a plane, you can't smell much.

I do sympathise, I have colleagues who started using those constant electric air freshener things which I think suck all the oxygen out of the air! They did stop using them if II asked but I felt so awkward.

OP, please make sure you have a good supply of your inhalers before you set off. You really don't want to run out while you are away. I don't want to worry you unnecessarily, but asthma can kill. People have died because they went out with the wrong handbag or coat and their inhaler was in the one left at home. My asthma nurse told me to be sure to get flu jabs every winter.

The air is filtered on planes from memory

On anything airliner size yes it is.

For info extract from UK Civil Aviation Advice for passengers:

“Asthma:
The normal aircraft cabin environment does not represent a specific challenge to those suffering from asthma that is stable. The key issue is to ensure that all medication is carried in hand baggage. It may be prudent that patients with asthma, other than the mildest cases, should take a course of oral steroids with them, in order that they could intervene early if there is any deterioration in their condition”

https://www.caa.co.uk/passengers-and-public/before-you-fly/am-i-fit-to-fly/guidance-for-health-professionals/respiratory-disease/

Good Luck.