Caring

Yes,
I read about a study of patients with chemical sensitivities (many people who have chemical sensitivities also have what's referred to as Reactive Airway Dysfunction Syndrome)which sometimes is grouped with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Disorder, though it is somewhat different. There is testing which can be done to determine if you have RADS, it's a methacholine challenge.
According to the study, almost half of the women who had chemical sensitivity disorders also had Fibromyalgia. Also, there are studies which say that people who have an acute chemical exposure, or chronic exposures to chemical irritants (pesticides, cleaning chemicals, industrial manufacturing, etc.) can develop respiratory problems. Another study found that one of the causes of Fibromyalgia may be acute or chronic chemical exposure, particularly to pesticides, herbicides, toxic chemicals etc. (even one exposure.)
This suggests that these two conditions may relate to each other.
RADS is acquired from harsh chemical exposure that has done damage to the airways--resulting in your airways closing up when you breathe normal things that do not affect the general public, because your airways have been sensitized.
How do I know about this, because I have RADS and have been doing research on the subject. Also I have symptoms that fit Fibromyalgia exactly, along with other problems, though I have not yet been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.
Was she by any chance in an accident involving airbags? That's where my breathing trouble and other problems started, after breathing a large amount of the deployed airbag contents.
Hope you see this post and let me know how you and your friend are doing.
Sincerely,
Caring