It has been six days since being exposed to the cleaning product that set off mucous production in my lungs. The only thing that helps me stop coughing is lying down on my side. I’ve tried reclining with pillows behind my back and head so that I could use my laptop on a lapdesk, but that doesn’t stop the phlegm from rising to the back of my throat. I went to the office yesterday, which probably was a mistake. By the time I got home, my head hurt and the glands under my the back of my tongue were tender. I’ve never had pneumonia, but I thought it might develop if I didn’t rest. My lungs felt heavy, and I got dizzy while sitting up breathing.
Other symptoms include fatigue, gastro-intestinal pain, and mental fog.
There are moments when the symptoms subside. But cigarette smokers outside ruin it and phlegm immediately collects in my throat. I can’t wait to move to my new place where smoking is not allowed anywhere on the property. I will be moving into an apartment that faces the non-smoking courtyard. I look forward to having my windows open all the time.
Back in 2001, my brother stated his concern of the air quality from the dust cloud billowing from the WTC disaster site. I wish I had heeded to his concern.