Coping with asthma and lung issues OTR

Hi guys,

The good news: I am pretty excited right now since I got hired on with NH which is a midwest carrier. Today I met my trainer at a Pilot truck stop to do a drivers test and go on the open road.
The bad news: I was coughing and short of breath while walking around the semi's idling(diesel fumes) at the truck stop. My lungs were burning and I had to use my inhaler.
We then drove his truck onto the highway and my asthma improved when we left the truck stop. The diesel exhaust blows away from the cab when driving.
However, how am I going to sleep at truck stops with all those trucks idling and spewing out loads of diesel fumes?

History: I was diagnosed with asthma and mild sarcoidosis a few years ago so I have to be careful with my lungs or it could develop into pulmonary fibrosis as I get older. My lungs have been abnormal for years, but functional and normal lung volumes. My medical is clear.

So why did I choose trucking if I have lung issues? 1.) I grew up on a farm -- so operating heavy machinery is something I enjoy 2.) I got laid off as a teacher and had no desire to go back 3.) Right now I work in retail and can't live on the low pay 4.) Trucking is my way out of poverty and has more opportunities

I am a natural when it comes to trucking. But my lungs are my only hindrance and know I should not be in this industry. I struggle with the "money vs. health" concept every day. But its tough to walk away from $800 per week when I can't even make that in two weeks in retail.

Anyone in here have asthma or can share ideas and methods to cope with it in trucking. Such as not sleeping in truck stops and looking for cleaner areas to rest? Crank a window? Maybe getting an air purifier for the truck? I want to make trucking sustainable but it seems impossible.

Thanks.

 

This is crazy. I need to carry a nebulizer and inhaler with me to drive a truck?
I am better off staying in sales and being broke and not needing any meds for asthma.
The govt should do their job and regulate diesel to make it cleaner and more friendly to the environment.
Truckers are going to develop diseases like COPD breathing the fumes just to hold a job.

 

I did. I looked into a lot.

When I am driving a truck on the highway I am fine.

 

Mudguppy how about you go stick a dirty sock in your mouth. I never asked for you to chime in with that sort of douchey-attitude.
You are telling me to flip burgers? How about you go mop floors at truck stops?
Go get your college degree and ####.