Can I Help Myself In Any Way?

[ferlew]

I feel as if I have just smoked 20 Capstan extra strength.
Chest hurts, airways feel tight. Can't seem to get enough air, despite standing at the back door for ages.
Cause?
I went to pick up some jigsaws from a free cycler (smoker) (very nice lady) and I was in her house under two minutes.
Outside again, I was almost feeling I was about to pass out. Thankfully a nice lad helped me to the car with the puzzles.
I smoked for donkey's years before packing up 5 years ago, so why on earth did this affect me so badly?

[sara3]

because it's disgusting, and stinks to high hell ;o)

[ELVIS68]

It'll get worse once you start doing the jigsaws, the pieces will stink of stale smoke

[ferlew]

Thankfully, I picked up the jigsaws for someone else. Luckily 6 of the 8 were sealed.
I has just shocked me that I feel so terrible after 120 seconds in that atmosphere.

[jomifl]

Sounds like an allergic response to something in her house. Possibly fungal spores or dust?

[Buenchico]

The best way to help yourself is to see a doctor. It could well be COPD (although it could equally just be some sort of short-term infection) so it needs to be checked out a.s.a.p.:
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx

[sherrardk]

Wouldn't have thought 2 minutes in a smoke infused house would have that sort of effect on anyone. Maybe it's a coincidence and you're not well?

[ferlew]

I'm 100% certain it was the ciggies.
I get a MUCH milder reaction if I pass a smoker in the street.
I am just amazed how quickly my airways closed up on me.
(I do have COPD anyway Buenchico)

[Hopkirk]

Asthma?

[ferlew]

Yes, I have that too.
But I have NEVER had a reaction like that.

[anneasquith]

dust on the boxes ?

[Hopkirk]

Your asthma is getting worse then.