Smoke & Wildfires

Wildfire Smoke and the Impact on COPD 

Wildfire smoke can be harmful to people with chronic respiratory conditions, such as COPD. The smoke contains small particles that can irritate the lungs and make it difficult to breathe. People with COPD are at an increased risk of developing respiratory problems, such as an asthma attack, a COPD exacerbation, or pneumonia. 

The risk of developing respiratory problems from wildfire smoke is highest for people who live in areas where wildfires are common. However, even people who live far from wildfires can be affected by the smoke. This is because smoke can travel long distances and can be carried by the wind.The outdoors may look hazy or you may smell smoke but uncertain where it is coming from. 

You can check your local air quality by visiting https://www.airnow.gov/.  

If you have COPD, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself from wildfire smoke: 

• Stay indoors as much as possible. If you must go outside, wear a mask that fits snugly over your nose and mouth. 
• Check your local air quality and follow your local news for warnings. You can find air quality information for your area on the website of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 
• Keep your windows and doors closed. This will help to keep the smoke out of your home. 
• Use an air conditioner or air purifier to filter the air in your home. This will help to remove the smoke particles from the air. 
• Avoid strenuous activity, especially on days when the air quality is poor. This will help to reduce your risk of developing respiratory problems. 

If you have any questions or concerns about wildfire smoke and COPD, please talk to your Wellinks coach. They can help you develop a plan to protect your health during wildfire season. 

Here are some additional tips for staying safe during wildfire season: 

• Know the signs and symptoms of a COPD exacerbation. These can include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. Refer to Wellinks Bad Day Resources. 
• Have a plan in place for what to do if you experience an exacerbation. This may include calling your doctor, using your rescue inhaler or going to the emergency room. 
• Keep your COPD medications on hand and make sure they are up to date. 
• Get regular checkups with your doctor. This will help to ensure that your COPD is being managed properly. 
• Understand how weather impacts your COPD by visiting the Wellinks article How Weather Affects COPD.  

By following these tips, you can help to protect your health during wildfire season.