As many of you have heard by now, I had difficulties this past weekend. Before rumors run amuck, I wished to address this directly.

I have asthma. Unfortunately due to the very high pollen count this year, combined with the unusually wet weather, my asthma has become very severe. I had greater difficulty than normal this past weekend at War of the Roses. However, I am fine. I always carry my inhalers and I always take my medications. I certainly appreciated the many kind thoughts and offers of help from the many gentles in attendance.

Asthma is a common disease of the bronchials. Asthmatics have very sensitive airways, which respond to "triggers" by increasing mucous production and swelling. This leads to narrowing of the airways and obviously reduced oxygen to the lungs. Triggers are different for every asthmatic, but there are some that tend to be the most common. They are:

1. Allergies--this is my personal worst trigger. As many of you are aware, I have a great number of allergies. My allergy to mold and dust mites is what caused my attack on Saturday. 2. Strong smells such as perfumes and smoking (these really fall under the allergy heading but as they are very common, I felt it would be helpful to emphasize them) 3. Exercise, such as running 4. Stress 5. Cold air--this one contributed to my asthma condition worsening this past weekend as well.

There are several medications that can be taken (I am already on most of them) to help control asthma. Asthma cannot be cured but it can be controlled. I am working very closely with my pulmonologist to control mine. Part of controlling it involves planning and awareness. I will be doing some careful planning for the upcoming events. I will also be contacting autocrats to ask for more details on court situations in the next week. I thank you in advance for your assistance.

However, there are many things that you can do to help. Probably the biggest thing is not smoking in the central areas of events such as the feast hall, court hall, and the list field. If you absolutely must have a cigarette, then move as far from the crowds as possible. I am not the only asthmatic in this kingdom. In fact there are more than you are probably aware of. All of us would appreciate your consideration. This is not a matter of smokers being "picked upon" but a request that can have immediate, serious consequences for our health. In fact, this past weekend I was recovering nicely after taking my rescue inhalers and considering joining court again, when a gentle lit a cigarette behind me. This person was unaware that it would have the effect it did. Once you have an attack, another one is easier and more severe. I became much worse immediately. So while, you may feel that you are not affecting anyone, you may be only by accident. Please keep this in mind when smoking.

Secondly, as my asthma is caused primarily by allergies, my immune system is often very stressed. This means if you are ill, just getting over an illness, feel like you may be getting ill, I would ask that you refrain from hugging me, shaking my hand, etc. I become ill very easily. I came home from War of the Roses with a bad stomach bug. Someone at the event had hugged me and informed me afterwards that they had "just gotten over the flu." Unfortunately, as abused as my immune system was this past weekend, it didn't take much for be take that flu home with me.

Third, if you are wearing perfume or other items with strong odors, please keep in mind that these may also trigger an attack for me and other asthmatics. Usually, they just make me cough, but if I am having a bad weekend, such as last weekend, it may make me have a severe attack. This is usually not an issue outside, but I will ask that you refrain from wearing perfumes, hairspray, gel, bugspray in our Royal Rooms or in the Royal Pavilion.

I was very touched by the care and concern shown to me this weekend by the populace. Thank you for making me feel loved and cared for.Please extend that same caring to other asthmatics within our kingdom. If you wish more information, the National Heart Lung and Blood Centers (www.nhlbi.gov) and the American Lung Association (www.lungusa.org) has helpful information on asthma.

In Service to the East,
Queen Roxane