Coping With Asthma OTR

Hi guys,

I am pretty excited right now since today I got hired on with a midwest carrier. Today I met my trainer at a Pilot truck stop. I was coughing and short of breath while walking around the semi's idling(diesel fumes). We 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.

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.

Thanks.