EFFECTS OF WILDFIRE SMOKE ON ASTHMA PATIENTS

Wildfire smoke can travel thousands of miles. Even if you live in an area far from active fires, you may still feel the effects, especially if you have asthma. Smoke contains tiny particles that enter the airways and irritate and inflame the lungs, causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Asthma patients will notice the effects of airborne particles on their breathing much sooner than people without lung conditions. People with asthma and other lung conditions are advised to monitor air quality and stay indoors when smoke is in the air. They should run air conditioners on recirculate mode and invest in  air purifiers for rooms where they spend the most time, such as a home office and the bedroom. 

P.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that asthma patients wear an N-95 mask or other mask marked as a “particulate respirator” when exposed to wildfire smoke and airborne particles.

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