@pat2407, I can remember being in Kings Canyon National Park while the fires were in Yosemite (just north of Kings Canyon) The smoke was affecting the air and I wrapped a scarf to cover my nose and mouth because it was all that I had with me. I'm not sure if it made any difference, because my asthma is diagnosed as Exercise Induced Asthma, and is activated by spring pollen, humidity, and physical exertion. Maybe I am lucky that when hiking, I can slow down to make me breathing easier. Just last fall my pulmonologist changed my daily/during spring/summer season. I also have an albuterol inhaler which I can use year round if needed. I am going to be giving it a real test in June when I will be hiking in the humidty, heat, and mountains. After that trip, I have an appointment with pulmonologist where he will want to know if the now current treatment is helping me.

I do realize that my experience is not your experience, and I am curious as to your "game changing" reaction to the smoke that you have mentioned. Were you aware of asthma before the wildfire smoke episode? What are you doing when you say that you are "still working to come out of this"? Are you working with a pulmonologist?