Wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs, worsen asthma and heart disease, and make breathing more difficult, University of Rochester Medicine physicians said. Children, older adults, pregnant people and those with lung or heart conditions face the greatest risk when air quality declines.
Fine particles in smoke can travel deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Common symptoms include coughing, sore throat, eye irritation, headaches, shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing and unusual fatigue during exercise.
Pulmonologist Daniel Croft and pediatric emergency physician Elizabeth Murray advised people to check the Air Quality Index and limit outdoor activity when pollution levels are elevated. They also recommended keeping windows and doors closed when possible and recirculating air inside vehicles.
People with asthma should keep inhalers, medications and spacers available. Outdoor workers should take frequent breaks and use an N95 or KN95 mask, while pet owners should shorten walks during smoky conditions.
The physicians advised contacting a health care provider for persistent coughing, wheezing, worsening asthma symptoms or breathing trouble that does not improve indoors. Anyone experiencing a medical emergency should call 911.
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