Yes, well we have the same hacking and coughing. I think its the stress of remodeling, plus nothing is ever where you are looking for it.There is dust on everything. My nails are breaking and chipped. If you put rats in the same spot they would be chewing on their tails. Just survive! When you are finished, for amusement you can go over to Expo or Home Depot and listen to somebody who is contemplating a big remodel. We had to go last night to get an appliance (we are almost finished)and listening to the beginners you realize how much you know. When its over, enjoy it.

I think mine gave me asthma.

Or, at the very least, it made it MUCH worse.

when i went to the doctor for my years-long cough, he said he was MUCH more interested in exploring the connection to the construction work.

And the lady across the way did have construction-triggered asthma. She was performing in the chorus of a Bway musical (I want to say "42nd St.," but Idon't honestly remember), and she had to take disability for six weeks and go on medication. It cleared up afterward, but her DH said it was kinda scary.

STRESS DOES NOT cause respirator issues. Too many people blame "stress" for *real* medical issues.

Particulates can lodge deep in the lungs and create respiratory problems--I just read something about that today.

It sounds like you severely underestimated and planned for dust control. Sealing off the work areas from the living areas. Air filtration devices in work areas. Proper masks. Not those useless paper dust masks. Trapsing back and forth between living and work areas without removing dust filled clothing. Good idea to use loose fitting disposable coveralls. You leave them in the work area when going into the living areas.
And if all the above posts are any indication, there is an enormous amount of poor planning and cluelessness.
You'll be lucky if these episodes don't lead to permanent respirtory problems in the future.
Ron

When your work is done, wait a couple of weeks and then get all your ductwork professionally cleaned. If you haven't sealed off the work area during this project, dust will be everywhere - on walls, ceilings, everywhere else. The cheapest furnace filters are worthless, too - I'd suggest a few months with regular changing and using the highest priced 3M filters. I think you've got a lot of cleaning ahead - alot!

ron6519...
The work area was sealed off. We lived in 200 square feet under the main work area. We were not the contractors and did not regularly trapse through the work space into our living space without leaving shoes and overgarments outside. Our heating and venting was isolated and separate. Your post was rude and mean. One comes to this forum for answers to questions from those who have been through a similar experience or for their expertise. You could have provided the information without being a stinker.
kirsten

Kirsten, I don't think Ron was trying to be mean, although his last statement was rather drastic. But I'm sure everything is so stressful in your life right now that everything hit you harder than normal - both with your immune system and psyche.

In your small living space I'm sure lots of dust and such are introduced into the air no matter how hard you try to isolate them.

I think everything will settle down quickly once the construction is over, but in the mean time you might see if you could find some friends or family to stay with while you're sick - especially for your young child.

Best of luck.

twalkman,
Thanks..I think you are probably correct about Ron. I have found the remodel forum not as warm and fuzzy as the kitchen and it takes a little getting used to. I am happy to report that DS is back to his normal adorable spunky self and I am almost back to normal..both of us after a round or two of antibiotics. I am sure it had an environmental triigger, but if it was 100% environmental antibiotics would not have improved it.
We are expecting our hardwood floors to be delivered tomorrow. Once those are in, then the carpet. We have decided to have all the ducting professionally cleaned as well as a cleaning service specializing in construction cleanup before we move back in.
thanks again for your post.