[basina]

Lotus, I didnt think I had asthma at all. I had some sinus/seasonal allergy issues that just seemed continuous or that would just come out of the blue. I finally got sick of it all and went to a specialist. It turned out that I have allergic asthma (and I didnt even believe the doc till I tried the treatments and saw the difference for myself).

Its not the type of asthma where you just get out of breath or where you need to reach for the inhaler when you are frightened/over exerted/excited, its only kicks in in the presence of certain allergens. Unfortunately for me, cats are one of the triggers, but the combo of meds has made me able to live in peace with the felines that own me ;-)

If the passages in your lungs are indeed narrowing in the presence of smoke, I would definitely think it safe to use an inhaler when needed. (better than ceasing to breathe at least!)

Definitely talk to your doc, as the over the counter inhalers (which will be completely removed from the market in a few years) dont work the same as the prescription ones like Albuteral. I also understand that they arent nearly as effective.

Good luck to you!