Air pollution causes me to have asthma attacks but it happens when we have unhealthy air days and it will start immediately. Even driving in the car with the windows down or at school with the windows open will cause an attack. It starts with a cough and I notice my breathing is very shallow. I can't stop coughing so I carry my inhaler and use it.
This weekend I was riding with a group and a car got between me and a group of cyclists. The car would not pass. I was inhaling the fumes and I started coughing. I couldn't stop. The car finally passed the group and I was able to get out of his emissions and I settled down.
I do not have asthma but I react this way to cigarette smoke, perfumes, cold air so I usually always have my inhaler in my bag.
Kathi