What symptoms do people experience?
A lot of these symptoms are similar to allergies [Dehni explains allergies and allergy symptoms in this article], so people might experience coughing, a scratchy throat, or watery eyes. People also might see shortness of breath or a tight chest, headaches, or experience fatigue.
Keep in mind, symptoms are dependent on existing medical conditions, especially for patients who have respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Are there any population groups more vulnerable when the air quality is poor?
Helpful Air Quality Resources |
|
Vulnerable groups are going to be adults who have pre-existing conditions like asthma, COPD, or heart disease. Adults who work outside – including construction workers or even athletes- can also feel symptoms when there’s poor air quality.
Young children are also affected because their lungs haven’t fully developed yet and because they tend to breathe a little faster.
How can someone tell if they might have a respiratory condition or if they’re feeling the effects of poor air quality?
If people notice their symptoms are intermittent, meaning they only happen when the air quality isn’t great, then it’s because of the air quality.
If these symptoms become consistent, for example, if you wake up at night with shortness of breath or coughing, or if symptoms are more prolonged, you’ll want to get checked out by your primary care provider.
You should absolutely go to a provider if you have difficulty breathing, or you’re not getting a full breath, or if you have coughing fits while exercising, or if you have a wheezing sound coming from your chest when you cough.
What are ways to stay protected when there’s poor air quality?
People should stay indoors when air quality indices are high. You should also avoid strenuous exercises outdoors, and if you are outside, take frequent breaks.
Since Colorado is at a much higher elevation, people can have more symptoms compared to living somewhere else. Oxygen levels decrease at higher elevations, so I would recommend getting an over-the-counter oxygen tank, especially to take when you’re hiking. Another thing is that Colorado’s air is a lot drier, so having a home humidifier and HEPA filters is also going to be beneficial.
What roles do nurses play in educating people about air quality?
When we have patients who have known medical conditions like asthma or COPD, we tell them to be mindful of the air quality or wildfire smoke in the air and to monitor air quality. We make sure to tell them to have any inhalers or medication they need, how to use them, and when they need to get care.
