‘Throwing Fuel on a Fire’: Docs Warn How Heat Dome and Canadian Wildfires Threaten Your Lungs—Plus $0 Ways to Protect Yourself
Experts explain the precautions that can keep you feeling your best during extreme weather events like the heat dome and an unhealthy air quality alert
Key Takeaways
- Heat dome temps + wildfire smoke can spike dehydration, fatigue, cough and wheeze.
- Use AQI to plan errands—when it’s orange/red, limit time outside and mask up.
- Hydrating, antioxidant-rich foods and omega-3s may support lungs during smoke days.
Temperatures are climbing past 100 degrees in several states thanks to a “heat dome“—essentially a lid trapping hot air over the region like an oven, pushing temperatures 15 to 30 degrees above normal and putting people at risk for heat stroke, dehydration, achy muscles and exhaustion. As if that weren’t enough, wildfire smoke drifting down from Canada is now blanketing parts of the U.S., causing hazy skies and making it harder to breathe. So what can you actually do about it? The good news: Experts say the right foods and a few simple lifestyle tweaks can help your body handle both the heat and the smoke. Here’s what you need to know.
What doctors say about wildfire smoke and your lungs
A heat wave has been sweeping across America over the past several days. Temperatures are soaring, leaving people sweating and exhausted. Many people are also dealing with smoke from the Canadian wildfires, which can cause serious breathing problems and reduced air quality.
“The overall dangers of exposure to wildfire smoke will be minimal for most but could definitely be a trigger for anyone with asthma or COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. For the average person, this can mean short-term coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath,” says Nicholas E. Roy, DO, a Pulmonologist and Critical Care Medicine Specialist at Inspira Health.
Woman's World Answers
“These symptoms should be short-lived and can be minimized by minimizing exposure to poor-quality air. Patients with asthma and COPD may have a more difficult time—think of it as throwing fuel on a fire. Some COPD and asthma patients who rarely use their rescue inhaler may note an uptick in use. Others may experience a more severe exacerbation requiring steroids and/or nebulizer treatments.”
The best foods to eat when air quality is poor
One of the smartest moves is simple: Start with a healthy diet, advises Louis Lerebours, MD, a Family Medicine Physician at Freeman Recovery Center: “Nutrient-dense food and adequate hydration will support you in having healthy defense mechanisms.”
Antioxidant-rich food is very beneficial for hydration as well: “Some good examples are berries—e.g., blueberries, leafy greens—e.g., spinach, citrus fruits—e.g., oranges and tomatoes,” Dr. Lerebours adds. Omega-3-rich fish like salmon can help boost your respiratory and immune systems, too, he says. (You just might want to be extra careful about where you source foods like raspberries, herbs and salad greens due to the food-borne cyclosporiasis parasite causing a parasitic diarrhea outbreak at the moment, too.)
Do N95 masks work for wildfire smoke?
Wearing an N95 mask can help you avoid inhaling the smoke while you’re outside, says Dr. Lerebours. But during an unhealthy air-quality alert, the most effective way to protect yourself is by limiting your exposure to it. “When poor air quality exists, [when possible] remain indoors,” he adds. “Keep all windows and doors closed; also consider using a HEPA filter air purifier in homes where available.”
How to read the air quality index (AQI)
Also smart: check the Air Quality Index before you head outside for extended periods of time. If it’s high, Dr. Lerebours advises waiting until it improves if you can, especially if you’re vulnerable to it. Here’s how to read the AQI:
- Green (0-50) means the air is safe for everyone.
- Yellow (51-100) is okay, but sensitive people, such as those with asthma or COPD, may start to feel the effects.
- Orange (101-150) is unhealthy for anyone with chronic lung issues, kids or the elderly.
- Red (151-200), purple (201-300) or maroon (301-500) means stay inside if you can. Cities like New York and Chicago are seeing numbers in these triple digits.
If you’re on prescription medications, Dr. Lerebours advises that you continue taking them. It’s also a good idea to avoid any secondhand smoke—and smoking in general. Finally, he urges, “Seek immediate attention from a medical professional if symptoms worsen. Harmful air pollution does not always appear visually; therefore, preventive actions are needed regardless of how clean the air appears.”
Tips for staying safe if you have asthma or COPD
Along with the strategies mentioned above, there are extra steps people with COPD and asthma can take to stay safe.
“Have a plan for a possible exacerbation, especially if you have a history of asthma or COPD. Make sure your albuterol is refilled, and if you notice early signs of an exacerbation, call your pulmonologist or primary care physician to discuss an action plan,” says Dr. Roy. “I often provide patients with an action plan, including a small course of steroids, instructions on when to start them and guidance on when to call me. In general, if you develop symptoms of an acute worsening of your underlying lung problem—or new symptoms like shortness of breath, persistent or recurrent wheezing, or chest tightness—seek medical attention.”
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