Do any of you have asthma or RAD?

[RNfaster]

Do any of you have asthma or reactive airways disease (RAD)? I have RAD and have been planning to become an OR nurse. (I am about to start nursing school.) --I am wondering how folks with asthma/RAD deal with some of the chemical irritants, e.g., glutaraldehyde, that are in the OR. How often are you exposed? How irritating are they to you (realize this differs per person)?

Thank you!

[ewattsjt]

I have asthma. My asthma isn’t real bad. I only have to use the vapor nebulizer treatment about 1 to 2 times per year. I am supposed to carry an albuterol nebulizer with me at all times so I keep one in my locker that I use when I feel my chest starting to get tight. Everyone is good about getting me out of the room to use it. I am not for sure what is the trigger in my case as it is allergy induced. I also use an Advair disk for allergy seasons. It hasn’t affected my work to where it is noticeable. Work has only induced one big reaction requiring me to break scrub and seek treatment and I am not sure what caused it.