I’m an expert about the things that affect my breathing
Life experience has taught me what my lungs can and cannot tolerate
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Inhale. Exhale.
Ah. If only it were that simple.
Living with cystic fibrosis (CF) has given me a sixth sense about my breathing. I pay more attention to every breath than I do to most anything else. It’s at the forefront of my mind constantly. I don’t clock in, clock out, or take vacations from thinking about breathing. That might be why I’m an expert detective when it comes to the things that affect it!
For starters, air quality is an important consideration. I’ve been spoiled to have lived most of my life in the country, where the air is fresh, clean, and clear, and I haven’t experienced wildfires, pollution, or air temperature inversion the way people in some parts of the country have. When I visit places that have had these problems, my lungs can feel the difference immediately.
Vermont averages about 1,000 feet above sea level, so my breathing isn’t used to higher elevations. When I travel out west, like my most recent trip to Colorado, the air was thin at baseline, not to mention when I hiked at 12,500 feet above sea level. Whew, I could feel that!
Not just the heat or humidity
Growing up on the East Coast, I’m used to humidity, so being outside in dry heat is lovely because I don’t sweat as much, but I can’t drink enough water or apply enough lip balm to make up for how dry the air is. Coming back home to the East Coast feels like being in a sauna at first, but I notice right away the difference in my breathing.
Despite having a double-lung transplant eight years ago, my lungs remain sensitive. They won’t ever function like normal lungs, and they get triggered by strong scents like perfume, cologne, and candles. Smoke also stings them, so I can’t be around cigarettes, campfires, or even clothing that smells like smoke.
I also use unscented detergents to wash my clothes, and mildly scented antibacterial soap is the only choice for our house. I only buy natural cleaning supplies, as the big, brand-name ones tend to have strong odors and sting my lungs for hours. I always wear a mask when using a spray cleaner, and vacuuming can make me cough a lot, so I have to wear a mask for that, too.
Whatever is blowing in the wind or growing inside or outside also affects me. Mold, mildew, pollen, and dust make my lungs angry, and I have to be cautious about allergens, but weather conditions don’t matter as much anymore, thankfully. Before my transplant, I avoided the bitter cold and went outside as little as possible in the winter because the frosty air stung my lungs and activated a nonstop coughing spell. But now cold air doesn’t bother me, which is a win!
Like anything though, it’s all about balance. I do my best to protect my new lungs while also living my life. I’m finding I can do both. It’s just taken nearly four decades to get it down to a science! Mostly.
Note: Cystic Fibrosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cystic Fibrosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to cystic fibrosis.
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