Connect
← Return to Fragrances and asthma/allergies
Discussion
Fragrances and asthma/allergies
Asthma & Allergy | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (90)Comment receiving replies
For any pulmonologist I have seen - I have asthma - the intake questionnaire asks if I have ever been exposed to fumes. The answer is yes, when I worked. Yesterday I was exposed to a horrible perfume that seemed as if the wearer had bathed herself in gasoline. I am sick and tired of people forcing me to smell something that they “enjoy” when they need to be using it “in bed” and showering off when they are done. I am still freaked by the asthma attack I had. I have decided to just start being as insulting verbally as perfume wearers are by wearing that garbage smell, for the most part, and tell them they have BO.
Replies to "For any pulmonologist I have seen - I have asthma - the intake questionnaire asks if..."
As @pml stated, just let the person know of your sensitivity to perfumes without bringing rude….rudeness is not necessary and solves nothing. Physically keep your distance if you can or perhaps hold a tissue over your nose. No one likes to smell strong odors emanating from people especially if it’s from someone you see daily. Ask if anyone else around her is feeling the same way. It’s a sensitive issue and she may not realize how she is affecting others. Years ago , in my workplace, we did have a manager intervene with someone in a similar situation. It was resolved but we don’t know what was said.
FL Mary
I guess I wasn’t clear but I was in a health care providers office. I did say something and I was firm. I won’t ever see that person again. I waited outside until the provider called me in when she was ready for me.
Hi @shar1504, you raise an important point. I moved your post to this existing, active discussion in the Asthma & Allergy group:
- Fragrances and asthma/allergies https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/fragrances-and-asthma-allergies/
Fragrance, perfumes and the trail of scent they leave are harmful to people with asthma, allergies and sevnsitivities. Most (all?) health care facilities have strict policies regarding maintaining a scent free environment. I'm glad that you said something.
Connect
Hi Shar1504,
I know how you feel. I am very sensitive to strong perfumes. I react to them and feel sick. My mom had pulmonary emphysema and had an awful time around strong perfumes. Recently, the hospitals in Washington State where I live have signs up asking people not to wear perfume. Perfumes don't smell good like they used to. Chanel #5 was never offensive.
It might be best to just tell the perfume wearers that you have asthma and that their perfume really bothers you. Otherwise, you may just end up in an argument that you would be blamed for.
I wish you the best.
PML