California Fires are Affecting People with Asthma

By Angelina Gallardo        Published: November 12, 2019

On the morning of Oct. 28, the Getty Fire began after a tree branch fell near the power lines that caused California to suffer from major fires, drifting smoke over to Las Vegas and risking people with asthma in both areas. 

Asthma is a condition in which airways swell and generate more mucus, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, coughing, and a whistling sound when exhaling. One major cause of this condition can be from an environmental factor, such as the smoke from the fire.

When one with asthma exhales smoke, it can irritate the lungs and produce more mucus that can trigger an attack and is extremely life-threatening. Smoke contains toxic chemicals that can easily damage airways as those toxins dust the airways and will make it more difficult for someone to breath. When you are exposed to smoke with this condition, symptoms may get worse or other symptoms such as discomfort of chest or wheezing, will occur.

If you smell or see smoke, a tip is to go inside, close the doors and windows, and run your air conditioner. If you are suffering from asthma, treatments include inhalers, quick-relief medications, and oxygen therapy.