ABU DHABI // Lizzie Eschauzier's asthma cleared up before she reached her teens but returned when she moved to the Emirates 25 years ago.
The trigger could have been asbestos that contaminated the air during the demolition of old buildings in Abu Dhabi, says Ms Eschauzier, a business consultant.
Second-hand smoke, food additives and humidity can also exacerbate the condition.
Taking her inhaler every morning as a preventive measure, the British-American expatriate, aged 65, says it is never hard to find a fellow asthmatic.
"I know a lot of people with asthma," Ms Eschauzier says.
"If they see me with an inhaler they say 'Oh, my brother has it' or 'My child has it'."
* Zaineb Al Hassani
Updated: May 01, 2012, 12:00 AM