Wildfires, air quality and our health

There are more particles in the air, such as ash and soot. While the hairs in our nose generally filter the larger particles, the smaller ones can get inside our lungs. These particles can also irritate our eyes, so you may find that your eyes feel gritty with a burning sensation. Those with respiratory problems will be more likely to notice symptoms first, although poor air quality can affect anyone.

For those with nasal problems — such as sinusitis, allergies, or respiratory diseases, including asthma and COPD — poor air quality can take its toll. People with heart disease may be affected because the heart and lungs are closely connected, and the smallest change in the oxygen level in the blood can affect how hard the heart has to work. Young children and seniors are also particularly vulnerable.

The best thing to do is proactively check the air quality index before leaving the house. The website for San Diego's Air Pollution Control District lets you search by ZIP code and will indicate where the air quality in your area falls on a scale from “good” to “hazardous.” If the scale is orange, people in the sensitive group should stay inside. If it is red, everyone should stay inside.

With an air quality index of “high,” keep your windows and doors closed, and use an indoor air purifier with a HEPA filter, if available. Make sure you change the filter regularly, as air purifiers can spread allergens if not cleaned properly. And, of course, be smart about fire prevention during these times.

Again, it depends on where you are on the index. If the index is red, stay indoors. If it’s orange, people in sensitive groups should not be exercising outdoors, but it’s probably OK for everyone else. However, there are so many exercises you can do at home or in a gym that it’s easy to get your workout in without compromising your health.

For anyone experiencing fever, wheezing, difficulty breathing, heart palpitations or chest pain, seek help immediately. Also, seek help if you experience sinus symptoms that do not resolve after a week. The tricky thing about breathing polluted air is that it’s hard to know if your symptoms are related to air quality or to something else. A high air quality index will often cause a recurring pattern of nasal congestion, burning eyes or breathing difficulties.

Yes, long-term effects are well documented in places such as China. Closer to home, San Diego’s Barrio Logan community have been plagued with unhealthy air quality for years. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Barrio Logan residents have an 85-95% higher risk of developing cancer than the rest of the United States.

Bad air quality can cause chronic issues, such as bronchitis and asthma. There is also evidence that poor air quality is a contributing factor to lung cancer and heart disease. What's more, a recent study linked persistent exposure to wildfire smoke to an increased risk of dementia, while other studies have found that such exposure can lead to cognition challenges and mental health concerns.

Climate change has caused California to have record-breaking heat waves and, as a result, increased fire dangers. Every year, we see hotter days and more extreme fires. In response, the medical community has established a new branch of medicine called climate medicine, which focuses on how climate change affects our health and well-being.

Additionally, doctors and other care providers are working to educate their patients and community members about the dangers of wildfires and what can be done to minimize exposure to wildfire smoke. Talk with your doctor about your risk for illness related to wildfire smoke, especially if you are pregnant or have asthma, COPD, bronchitis, chronic heart disease or diabetes.