Smoke From Wildfires Again Impacts Air Quality

For the last few days, a swath of smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota has crossed the country to our region. Not only has the smoke brought a hazy cast to the sky, but particles within the smoke are also affecting air quality. (Visit AirNow.gov for air quality levels in your area.) Due to the smoke, particle pollution is hitting unsafe levels throughout the region.

Pediatric pulmonologist Jennifer Logan, MD, with Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital, part of Jefferson Health, has tips for people of all ages during this time of poor air quality.

Children and the elderly are among those who are vulnerable to the particulates in the air, as well as people with chronic respiratory or cardio-respiratory disease. Those diseases include asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, COPD, emphysema and interstitial lung diseases.

The tiny particles and contaminants in the air can cause short-term issues in those with preexisting conditions; for example, an asthma “flare-up” in a patient with asthma.

If you are at high risk – which includes people with heart or lung disease, the very young or very old – limit your time outside. For all others, it is best to not spend a lot of time outside until the air quality improves. Keep your windows closed and make sure your home air filters are clean. If you can smell the smoke, then you are likely breathing it in as well.

If you must be outdoors, be mindful of your body. If you are noticing symptoms, such as shortness of breath, coughing or your eyes are burning, take a break and go indoors. 

Yes. When exercising, we inhale air faster and deeper, which will result in an increased amount of particulate matter being inhaled. Because the air quality is poor, I would recommend against exercising outdoors to avoid triggering respiratory symptoms.

An N95 mask can be worn to help filter out the particulate matter that is in smoke; however, N95s will not fit most children correctly and should not be worn if the fit is not appropriate. Other masks will not be as protective and may actually collect particulate matter.

If you or your child has asthma, follow the action plan established with your pulmonologist or pediatrician. This may include using a rescue inhaler, such as albuterol, to help relieve symptoms. Make sure to always use a spacer device with your inhaler, if instructed by your physician.

If you or someone you know is having trouble breathing or experiencing a cough that won’t stop, contact your primary care clinician or visit a nearby JeffExpress Urgent Care. If you are experiencing respiratory distress, call 911 or go to your closest emergency room.