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Smoke inhalation and its dangers
Q: What are
the health effects of breathing smoke?
A: Microscopic particles of
organic matter in the smoke can enter your eyes
and lungs and cause irritation. Symptoms include
red, itchy eyes, runny noses and scratchy throats.
In rare cases the symptoms can lead to pneumonia
or bronchitis.
"Shrub fires tend to put up a lot of soot
into the air and that can be quite irritative,"
said Dr. Devang Savani, a pulmonologist at Western
Medical Center in Santa Ana.
Q: Who is most at risk?
A: Seniors, children and people
with chronic heart or lung disease. The smoke
can aggravate medical conditions such as asthma
and emphysema. Allergies can also be exacerbated.
Children can experience breathing problems because
their lungs are still developing.
Q: How concerned should people be?
A: The smoke, while irritating,
does not pose a serious threat to most healthy
people.
Q: Are hospitals seeing an increase in patients?
A: Emergency room visits at
Western Medical more than doubled Monday, Savani
said. "People are unfortunately having
a lot of respiratory problems," he said.
UCI and Anaheim Memorial reported no increases.
Q: What can I do to avoid breathing
the smoke?
A: In the car: Keep your car
windows and air vents closed. Operate the air
conditioner only on the "recirculate"
function.
At home: Close all windows, doors, and fireplaces.
Use the air conditioner on the recirculate setting.
Air purifiers also can be helpful. Try to avoid
using anything that burns - including gas stoves,
fireplaces and candles. Don't vacuum, which
can stir up dust and make the air worse.
Outside: Avoid outdoor activity and exercise
if possible. A damp cloth covering your mouth
can help filter the particles.
Q: What if I have asthma?
A: Monitor your peak flow,
a measure of lung function, and call your doctor
if the level drops.
Q: When should I contact a doctor?
A: If you experience shortness
of breath, wheezing, lightheadedness or chest
pain.
Q: How long will the smoke last?
A: Depending on wind conditions,
the smoke can remain in the air for days. Symptoms
can start as long as two days after the first
exposure to smoke.
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