Forest Fires and Lung Health

Forest fire smoke can be more than annoying, It can have impacts on your health. The smoke can irritate the eyes, lungs, throat, and sinuses, increase the risk of heart attacks, trigger headaches and allergies, and reduce lung function, especially in children. For someone with lung disease, it can also trigger asthma, and worsen COPD and pneumonia.

General recommendations are

• Remain indoors with doors and windows shut.

• Use air conditioners/furnaces on the recirculation setting, so outside air will not be moved inside.

• Avoid exercising outdoors.

• Monitor children closely. They are more susceptible to smoke.

• Monitor older adults with heart or lung disease closely.

• Use air purifiers with HEPA filtration.

• Keep windows and vents closed while driving. Keep your fan on the “recirculate” setting.

• Follow air quality reports.

It can be hard to keep your family inside, especially if you have young children. Some ideas to keep busy include

• Playing board games

• Baking/cooking together

• Creating with Lego or playdough

• Reading books

• Movie night

• Blanket forts

• Look for facilities offering indoor activities like bowling, swimming, and indoor playgrounds

Spending time outside may be necessary to get groceries or help in your community. Also, if you don’t have access to an indoor gym, some low-intensity outdoor activity may be necessary for your mental health. If the smoke is thick and air quality is hazardous, consider wearing a KN95 or N95 mask. Dust masks will not provide adequate protection from the fine particles in the smoke. 

Diet can also play a role. Regular consumption of the recommended amount of vitamin C can not only help in improving overall lung function but can also prevent the deterioration of pre-existing respiratory conditions. Natural sources of vitamin C include

• Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits

• Other fruits such as muskmelon, watermelon, tomatoes, pineapple, kiwi, guava, papaya, and mango

• Raw or lightly cooked green vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, cabbage, bell peppers, and turnip

• Potatoes (both sweet and white)

• Berries

Research published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine concluded that vitamin C helps in protecting the lungs and also reduces the risk of developing COPD, an inflammatory lung disease. 

While Vitamin C supplements can often be safe to consume, excessive vitamin C may have side effects, so always check with your doctor before adding supplements to your diet. 

**Nothing in this blog is intended to be specific medical advice. It is for interest and entertainment purposes only.