By Adam Dendauw
Respiratory Department Manager
It’s that time of year again when
the fires flaring up and spreading smoke into the valley. Most of us think of
this as an annoying or irritating, which it is, and are more or less unaffected
by the exposure. Those of you out there with pulmonary and lung histories, such
as COPD or Asthma dread this time even more. Air pollution and smoke exposure
are two very big risk factors to those with a lung disease; even a small
increase in the air pollutant index increases your chances off hospital admission
due to an exposure related exacerbation. We wanted to give you a few tips to
help avoid an episode of shortness of breath or an asthma attack due to smoke
exposure.
The
number one tip is obviously, try and remain indoors and avoid smoke exposure as
much as possible during this time, if you must go outside try and check the air
quality reports first. There are a few websites that can give you a good idea
of what the air quality levels are quickly and easily.
Currently
we have a moderate air quality index for the Redding and surrounding areas. Try
to remain outdoors as little as possible, even if the air quality is stated as
being good or moderate, it can still easily affect those with lung conditions. Avoid
the outdoors at all costs if the air index drops to unhealthy. Refrain from any
physical activity that is too strenuous or adds other exposures, such as yard
work or being around animals. If you can’t avoid an activity, take frequent
breaks indoors and out of exposed areas. Also try and do as much as you can
early in the day, this is when air quality is at its peak. If you have been
prescribed any breathing medications, always carry them with you and consult
your doctor about worsening symptoms due to the smoke this time of year, they
may be able to give you alternative medications or instructions for your
current medications to help with the added smoke risks. When traveling by car,
try and keep your windows up and when your air conditioner, please use the
internal air circulation to avoid pulling in smoke from the outside.
While indoors, keep your home well
ventilated, replace all filters for your air conditioners or central air units
in order to cut down on exposure. You can prevent smoke from filtering into
your home by making sure that all doors to the outside are properly sealed on
all sides and most importantly make sure there is no gap at ground level. Make
sure windows are properly sealed off or weather stripped, not only will this
help prevent smoke from entering, but it will increase your energy efficiency.
Plugging up unused electrical outlets with childproof plastic covers and any
other gaps should be filled with suitable filler such as insulating foam for
large gaps or silicone caulk for smaller ones. Consider gaps around light
fittings, electrical points, around air vents, around plumbing items etc.
Remember that children a are even
more prone to problems due to exposure, if your child has a history of asthma
or breathing problems, it is best that they avoid smoke exposure if at all
possible. Remember to inform their schools, care providers and other family
member to be aware of the risks associated with smoke inhalation. Also make
sure that they are aware of any breathing medications that they take and that
everyone is educated on how to properly use them.
If you or a loved one are caught in
an exposure and have shortness of breath try and remain calm, use any breathing
medications as prescribed by your doctor, try and get out of the smoke as
quickly as possible and rest, taking slow deep breaths, until you feel better. Contact
emergency services if you continue to be short of breath. We hope these tips
will help, if you have any questions please feel free to contact us, at Mayers Memorial Hospital District Memorial Hospital District. We are Always Caring, Always Here.
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