Playa and breathing

[MothersAngerRulls]

hey Playa lovers.
I got married a few months ago.
Promissed her that I'll take her to BM this year.
my wife has asthma.
How should We deal with it?!

Thanks!
sTITch
http://www.MothersAnger.com

[robotland]

Congratulations!

You'll want to be VERY careful when mixing respiratory disorders and playa- I don't know if you've visited BRC yourself yet, but if not I suggest doing some eplaya archival research on the subject. There are many helpful suggestions for creative yet effective masks, sleeping arrangements and such. In a nutshell:

-Even when it's NOT whiteouting, the dust is EVERYWHERE. Take a look at the nighttime flash pictures- Looks like it's snowing. It's easier to just sleep in the car than to make a dust-resistant tent or camp structure, so perhaps consider that.
-Bring masks, and WEAR them, especially on deep-playa expeditions. It's easy to get caught in a dustup, and they can last plenty long enough to give you a good lungful. A little creativity can really pay off, too- I've seen some very artful breathing apparatti, including a stylin' mask made from the air filter from a Dodge Caravan...
-Familiarize yourself with the locations of the medical outposts, in case your bride finds herself in respiratory distress. Remember that the on-playa medicos expect you to help yourself FIRST.
-Obviously, make sure to stock sufficient inhalers AND backups. DO NOT count on being able to get immediate medical attention in case of a serious emergency. (They do a helluva job, don't get me wrong- But on the playa help can be up to two miles away, and if you need to be medivac'd that means going as far as Reno. Best is just to listen to your body and be prepared.)
-Keep hydrated. Read the survival guide. Follow it with reverence.
-It's worth the trouble.

[skygod]

I have asthma and I was ok last two years. I had a good mask and my inhalers. I have heard stories (second hand, from this board) of others who have had to leave because of asthma attacks, so I think it varies a lot from person to person. I wouldn't not go because of it, but have medication and backup plans for the worst case scenario, and be ready to leave if you have to. Good luck and hope you do alright!

[MothersAngerRulls]

hey thanks
yeah I've been to the BRC, and I know I love the HEAT
what kind of mask would be best?
anyone knows where to get it?!
I guess I'm gonna have to rent a trailer or RV this year...

[Blonde Iguana]

I have severe asthma and use Advair and albuterol inhalers every day, so I was very nervous about what might happen to me at Burning Man. In addition to inhalers and good masks, I also got a prescription for prednisone from my doctor before I went, just for emergencies.

So now I've been to Burning Man for the last two years, inhaled TONS of dust (and hardly wore a mask at all last year) and have been stunned (and pleased) to learn that my asthma is almost non-existent out on the Playa. The only time it kicks up is when I dance too hard! I think it's the lack of molds and mildews and microbes and dander...it's dusty, but a clean kind of dusty.

[theCryptofishist]

The Iguana is at least half right.
There is little microbial that will kick up the allergies that can be part of an atthsma attack--but the dust itself is caustic so others find it much harder to deal with. The mrFishist probably still holds the record on evacuations from the playa to Reno with two, but he was kind of an idiot who was a pack a day smoker and who wouldn't nessesarily sit down and take care of himself. He had one of those 3M particle masks with the two replaceable filters. ON the other hand, lot of DPW people swear by the old fasioned bandana around the lower face--and not just for beer procurement. (Sorry, I just wanted to be a little silly.)
My advice, have her watch herself closely for symptoms that it's getting worse. Have an escape plan--go to Reno or even Wadsworth for a day if you have to. If you talk to the folks at the Main Medical tent (Remsa) they can arrange for you to not have to pay the re-entry fee, if her leaving is medically nessesary. But have the money for a hotel room. If you are camping with friends, work out some sort of agreement with them for packing up your stuff incase she can't come back and you dont' want to leave her. Offer to pay the shipping or gas or whatever. I've written before on this board about medical conditions (mostly the asthma--but in responce to other medical questions) so the searching function should give you lots of stuff I've forgotten.
And take it from me, missing the burn is a lot better than missing your spouse, so if you do have to leave, do it cheerfully and enjoy what time you did have in the city.

[gyre]

Don't forget the altitude there.
There are tents that keep out the dust. You need a four season tent that will keep snow out. You don't want one with those ridiculous vents that don't close all over it. Make sure the fly covers everything.
I asked some guys in a north face and they had little dust inside.
My tent had two inches of dust inside- chinese junk worsttentsintheworldrus.com. I miss my Jansport tent.
I wrapped my tent in EPDM plastic as a sunblock and that helped with the dust. For heat, if you see light, you're getting heat. Huge difference.

If anybody has a four season they want to get rid of, I'm still looking.
If anyone has a part of a jansport, I still have my poles.

I'm told that using a wet scarf as a prefilter will keep better filters from clogging too quickly. Safety supplies have all levels of particulate filter masks. You don't really need chemical filtration.

[CagedKitty]

The Oasis Dome seemed to have no dust in the air inside, I think because there were misters by the doors. If it's there again next year find out where in case you need to go in for a while.