Am I allergic to cigarette smoke?

Allergic to cigarette smoke.?

• I'm really allergic to cigarette smoke but my boyfriends family smokes. They will not smoke around me but after the smoke and walk around it still bothers me. What do I do?

• Answer:

  Hun, I know how you feel. I have the same problem with my Husband as I am allergic as well. Here is what I do: I went to an allergist for a test and he confirmed the allergy. Prescribed me Alvesco for a preventitive measure that I take daily and prescribed me ventolin that I take during an attack. I take reactine non-drowsy extra strength daily to help ward off allergies. My Husband no longer smokes in the house. If he wants to pollute his lungs, I feel he shouldn't pollute mine, so I send him outside. I also have him wear a robe when he smokes, so that when he comes back inside he takes it off and I don't smell it. I also have him gargle his mouth with mouthwash so I don't smell it on his breath. The final thing I did was I went out and bought a portable HEPA Filter machine. It cost 100.00 by the company Honeywell. It eliminates smoke in the air. I no longer smell it, or see it. Keep one in your bedroom or in the room you spend the most time in. It really does help. And do not let him smoke in the car (if you guys drive that is), because many people have the idea that smoking with the windows open helps when in fact it doesn't. I also avoid anyone that smokes. If I have to stay in the same room, this may sound crazy, but I bought a box of disposable one time use filter face masks to wear when I am in the company of smokers. You could also get hepa ones. By your description of your symptoms after coming in contact with smoke, I wouldn't play around with it. I feel that you are better to look crazy wearing one and feel healthy rather than becoming sick. Also, have you mentioned to your doctor or allergist about allergy shots. They can be quite costly depending on where you are and what coverage you have but may be refundable and after a couple treatments you will no longer such have such a large sensitivity to the allergy. I really hope this helps. I know what you are going through, and I hope it gets easier for you. All the best. Msg me to let me know if this helps at all! Hugs.