, a nonprofit that advocates for people with respiratory issues, says even short-term exposure to wildfire smoke can cause small particle pollution, which pushes tiny allergens and pollutants from the air deep into a person’s lung tissue. This irritation could cause inflammation in the lungs, which can result in a number of medical problems.
While otherwise healthy people who are exposed to smoke may experience symptoms, Parikh says those with underlying health conditions are at a higher risk. “People with allergies already have inflammation in their airways from allergens in the air, so they’re already inflamed at baseline, and this adds more insult to injury,” she says. “Another group at risk is young children, whose lungs are still developing.
“We see things like an increase in asthma exacerbation, an increase in COPD exacerbation, and an increase in pneumonia and acute bronchitis,” she says. “We also see increases in cardiac events, including hospital admissions and ER visits, when people breathe polluted air even for a short duration.”The most important thing, Nadeau says, is to stay away from the smoke and remain indoors.
Parikh recommends people with brushfire smoke symptoms see a lung specialist who can prescribe the necessary medications and track their progress, but the important thing is to seek medical care as soon as possible.
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