How Does Wildfire Smoke Affect Asthma?

 

Many people have joked that the year 2020 is a dumpster fire. 

Sadly, we have areas of the U.S. that are literally on fire (no dumpsters -  but plenty of forests.)

My friends that live in California and Oregon have been posting photos online. And I am terrified for them - because they have asthma. And smoke and asthma are NOT a good mix.

One year, Son #2 ended up in ICU from the smoke from a local forest fire. I will never forget that trip to the hospital! He had been in the hospital before for his asthma (and pneumonia), but this was the first time he was in ICU. And it was traumatic.

So, anytime we get smoke from forest fires, it worries me! We have smoke in our state from the California and Oregon fires. And it has traveled all the way to the East Coast of the U.S.! 

The size of the fires is off the charts. As of this writing, the California fires have burned 3.2 MILLION acres and killed 25 people. I'm not sure of the cause of death for those people (it makes me shudder to wonder if they died trying to outrun the fires.)

How Smoke Affects Our Lungs 

But why does smoke from wildfires affect those of us with asthma so much? Those of us with asthma  often have swelling in the lungs. Wildfire smoke can further damage our lungs from tiny Particulate Matter (PM) that can get down deep into the lungs. PM 2.5 is so small, it can only be seen with an electron microscope. Those tiny particles can act like sandpaper in the lungs. 

So if you already have swelling in your lungs, then you are breathing in tiny particles that are like sandpaper scratching up your lungs, you are going to have BIG problems!

But PM 2.5 can also cross into the blood stream and cause other health problems. American Lung Association says:

"Particle pollution triggers asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes—and can kill. Studies of children in California found that children who breathed the smoky air during wildfires had more coughing, wheezing, bronchitis, colds, and were more likely to have to go to the doctor or to the hospital for respiratory causes, especially from asthma."

So, what to do if you are in an area with the wildfire smoke and you have asthma? 

American Lung Association has whole page dedicated to Wildfires. With info about general recommendations, what to do if you have lung problems, heart disease or diabetes. And how to clean up. They also issue this warning:

"Know when to seek medical attention: If symptoms are not relieved by the usual medicines, seek medical attention. Symptoms to watch for: wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty taking a full breath, chest heaviness, lightheadedness, and dizziness. If you have any concerns or questions please contact your physician."

Good luck and protect those lungs!