Why we care about wildfire smoke
Wildfire smoke is made up of several components, including carbon monoxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and particulate matter. Particulate matter (PM) is the main pollutant in wildfire smoke, and the amount of PM in the air increases when there are wildfires. The smaller the PM, the more our health is affected. When particulate matter is less than 10 microns, it is small enough to enter our lungs. Fine particulate matter is found in wildfire smoke and is less than 2.5 microns. For context, a single strand of hair is 50-70 microns in diameter.
Health effects of wildfire smoke exposure
Exposure to smoke from wildfires can cause coughing, wheezing, and eye, nose and throat irritation. Those who are most at risk from exposure to wildfire smoke include people with cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, the elderly, children, and pregnant people. Breathing in wildfire smoke can exacerbate symptoms in those who haveasthma and COPD.
Protect your lungs naturally
There are many ways that you can support your lungs naturally against the deleterious effects of wildfire smoke. When we inhale smoke, our lung tissue becomes inflamed. One way to reduce this inflammation is by consuming foods that are high in antioxidants.When our antioxidant status is low, the greater our risk of disease exacerbation occurs. Fruits and vegetables, especially berries and leafy greens, are rich in antioxidants and help raise our body’s ability to fight inflammation. N-acetylcysteine is a nutrient that can be purchased at a health food store that improves antioxidant status and is good for lung health. Keeping the air in your home clear during wildfire season is another important wayto protect your health. You can do this by using a HEPA filter that filters fine particulate matter, PM2.5.
If you would like to know more about how best to support you and your lung health during wildfire season, talk with your doctor. Stay informed with airnow.gov updates on air quality and locations of wildfires.
Dr. Rachel Paran is a Naturopathic Physician at Heart Spring Health in the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. She is a graduate of Sonoran University of Health Sciences in Tempe, Arizona where she developed a passion for using hands-on therapeutic techniques to address functional imbalances. She has advanced training in Craniosacral Therapy through the Upledger Institute and in Visceral Manipulation through the Barral Institute.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Paran, call 503-956-9396 or contact us now to schedule an appointment today.
