New to asthma

At age 37, I have recently been diagnosed with asthma. My main triggers seem to be strong smells like perfume, beauty supplies and cleaning chemicals. How does one deal with that in public? I can't exactly ask people to stop wearing perfume. Does anyone have any advice on how to avoid these triggers? It's really affecting my social life.

[bsmsl]

You are certainly not alone.  People with more severe reactions to fragrances do face a lot of issolation.  I am one of them.  I do have some friends that do not wear fragrances when they know I will be around.  I also have some asthmatic friends who are safe to be around.  

Getting your asthma well controlled will go a long way in reducing your issues when exposed to fragrances.  You can also pretreat using your rescue inhaler before events where you know you will be exposed - church, shopping, parties...  There are lots of other treatment options as well if these don't work for you.

Feel free to ask any question you like.  This is my PET issue.  I even react to food odors, so I know what life can be like with this issue.  

Fragrance issues used to be considered a sensitivity.  Recent studies are identifying certain fragrance molecules as true allergens.  There may be permanent treatment available in the years to come.

Take care and hang in there.  Things do get better.

[bsmsl]

You are certainly not alone.  People with more severe reactions to fragrances do face a lot of issolation.  I am one of them.  I do have some friends that do not wear fragrances when they know I will be around.  I also have some asthmatic friends who are safe to be around.  

Getting your asthma well controlled will go a long way in reducing your issues when exposed to fragrances.  You can also pretreat using your rescue inhaler before events where you know you will be exposed - church, shopping, parties...  There are lots of other treatment options as well if these don't work for you.

Feel free to ask any question you like.  This is my PET issue.  I even react to food odors, so I know what life can be like with this issue.  

Fragrance issues used to be considered a sensitivity.  Recent studies are identifying certain fragrance molecules as true allergens.  There may be permanent treatment available in the years to come.

Take care and hang in there.  Things do get better.

[klshow]

Thanks for the advice! I really need all the encouragement I can get.