Second hand smoke and how to deal with it?

Question

Everytime I visit my gramps I'm subjected to vicious second hand smoke because my aunt is his caretaker and she smokes like a chimney. She's so hardcore that she has three ashtrays for every room in the house, not to mention two packs near them. She chainsmokes upon waking in the morning, all throughout the day, and right after dinner. It's f***ING disgusting! Of course I can't say anything about it because it'd be rude, it is her home too!

But I'm getting an itchy throat and I feel a sinus infection coming on, too. The clothes in my suitcase - which I haven't even taken out yet! - also reek of smoke!

So my question is - what can I do to protect myself while I'm visiting? I hear drinking a steady and large amount of green tea works. Any other suggestions?

Answer 1

I help an elderly disabled friend, who was chain smoking, I asked a similar question on here a while back.

What I did was bring a leaflet from the chemist about the dangers of passive smoking and showed it to her. It made no difference.
So I asked on Y answers, and lots of people said stay away.
So I told her clearly, that I didn't like breathing in her cigarette smoke, and when I visited her, I got out as quick as possible when she smoked, and even when a relative of hers smoked a cigarette there.
She made the connection, and stopped smoking while I was visiting her, she puts out her cigarette as I arrive.
Now when her relative comes once a week, I move to another part of the flat and turn on the extraction fan in the bathroom.
We now have a understanding.

But in your case I am concerned for your gramps (is that Grandfather? I don't hear that in England), he has to breath in all that smoke, and it won't do him any good.

I am afraid you must say what concerns you, it is not rude to tell someone politely that the smoke makes you feel sick, and if necessary arrange to see you Gramps when she it due to go out.
The only safe way to be a smokey atmosphere is by wearing a suitable gas mask.

Answer 2

Stay at someone elses house. Stay outside as much as possible and don't stay long. When they question why, tell them that you can't handle the smoke. They may not like what you say but I agree it is very hard to take.

Answer 3

Bless you. I know the feeling my mother is the same way. When I visit her we stay outside. She knows that it bothers me. If it is overnite I camp in the yard. Good luck!!! If you have to stay there you can leave your clothes in the car and get them upon need.