There is nothing worse on this earth that being crammed onto a train behind someone who smells like an ashtray.
Except perhaps, being an ex-smoker crammed onto a train behind someone who smells like an ashtray.
Either way, my nose wasn’t plugged and running 20 minutes ago…
James Cape 
A sensitization allergy is not completely out of the realm of possibility.
I’m not you, but were I you, I might consider consulting a respiratory therapist when the health insurance kicks in. I don’t know as much about nasal issues; all my trials in that regard have been pulmonary. All the same and never the less, they’re doing amazing things with drugs these days.
Also, your ex-smoker righteousness is noted. You are absolutely entitled to it. It may or may not help you to remember that those are just addicted humans; I doubt that the insult to your nose was deliberate. Mercy for those in bondage, ne?
It’s not that it’s not their fault; it is. It’s not that they couldn’t help it; they could. It’s that they probably don’t even realize what they’re doing to the people around them. I never did until I started hanging out with ex-smokers.
something something forgive them something know not what they do something
Honestly, this was most about pre-existing pissed-offness being transferred onto the horribly smelly guy I happened to get stuck next to.
Not cool, to be sure, but then, neither is taking public transportation while reaking of smoke and body odor.