My brother has asthma as well as many allergies and severe reactive airway disorder. He always uses an N95 mask when cutting or sanding any wood. I have bronchiectasis, asthma & milder reactive airway disorder, and I have long worn a dust mask for similar work.

Last year when we were sanding a table on his patio, he insisted that I wear a "real" N95 respirator - while uncomfortable in the Texas heat, I had no breathing issues the next 2 days. All summer, while working on my daughter's old house, I wore one faithfully, and had neo asthma attacks or bronchiectasis exacerbations!

If you have any lung or breathing problems, with or without a specific diagnosis, a well-fitted mask to keep irritants out of your lungs is important. As for "can't wear one", I truly believed I was in that group - until a severe lung infection scared me, and I taught myself to do it. When I am not around others, I wear one with an exhaust port that makes exhaling easier.

Deb & @tahiristan , have you tried wearing an N95 mask in lung-irritating situations?
Sue