You don’t have to live near a wildfire to be affected by the smoke.

Wildfire smoke can affect anyone. Even if you’re healthy, you may develop symptoms when smoke levels are high or exposure lasts for several days.

Why Is Wildfire Smoke Harmful?

Wildfire smoke contains a mixture of gases and tiny airborne particles. The small particles can reach deep into the lungs and may even enter the bloodstream. This can irritate the airways, reduce lung function and worsen some heart and lung conditions.  

Studies show that when wildfire smoke levels rise, hospitals often see more visits for breathing problems, asthma flare-ups, and other heart and lung conditions.

Who Is Most at Risk From Wildfire Smoke?

Although wildfire smoke can affect anyone, some people are more likely to experience complications. Groups at higher risk include:

• Infants, children and teens
• Adults age 65 and older
• People with asthma
• People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• People with heart disease
• People with diabetes
• People with lung cancer
• People who smoke or previously smoked
• People who are pregnant
• Outdoor workers who spend long periods of time outside

People in these groups should take extra precautions when air quality declines.

Common Symptoms of Wildfire Smoke Exposure

Symptoms can vary depending on your age, overall health and the amount of smoke exposure.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Irritated throat
• Sinus irritation
• Stinging or watery eyes
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Chest discomfort

Most symptoms improve when the air quality improves, but some can signal a more serious problem.

How Wildfire Smoke Affects People With Asthma and Other Lung Diseases

People with asthma and other chronic lung conditions may be especially sensitive to wildfire smoke. Smoke particles can trigger airway inflammation, making symptoms harder to control and increasing the risk of asthma attacks.

You may notice:

• More coughing
• Increased wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Greater reliance on rescue medications

If you have asthma, keep your asthma action plan up to date, take medications as prescribed and contact your doctor if symptoms worsen. It’s also important to keep enough prescribed medications on hand during wildfire season.

How To Reduce Smoke Exposure

Taking steps to limit your exposure can help protect your lungs and improve indoor air quality during wildfire smoke events.

Check air quality before spending time outdoors

One of the best ways to protect yourself is to monitor the air quality index (AQI) in your area. The AQI measures how clean or polluted the air is and whether it may pose health risks.

Stay indoors when air quality is poor

If your local air quality reaches unhealthy levels, limit outdoor activities and stay indoors whenever possible.

This is especially important for people at higher risk, including older adults, children, people who are pregnant, and those with heart or lung conditions.

Keep windows and doors closed

Keeping smoke from entering your home is one of the most effective ways to maintain clean air indoors.

If wildfire smoke is present, keep windows and doors closed. Avoid activities that add pollution indoors, such as burning candles or using wood-burning fireplaces.

Use air conditioning safely

If you have air conditioning, use it to help maintain a comfortable indoor environment while keeping windows closed.

Many central air conditioning systems can help filter airborne particles. Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency filter if your system can accommodate one. Follow manufacturer recommendations for maintenance and filter replacement.

If your home does not have clean, filtered air, consider spending time in public spaces, such as libraries or community centers with filtered air.

Use air cleaners

Portable air cleaners can help reduce fine-particle levels indoors. Air cleaners with HEPA filters are often recommended because they can trap many particles found in wildfire smoke.

Using air cleaners in bedrooms and other frequently used living spaces may help improve indoor air quality during smoke events.

Wear a well-fitting respirator mask

If you must be outside when smoke levels are high, wear a well-fitting N95 mask. It can help reduce exposure to harmful particles.

Cloth and surgical masks do not provide the same level of protection against fine particles in wildfire smoke.

Use caution when working outside

Outdoor workers should monitor local air quality and follow workplace safety guidance. When possible, reduce time spent outdoors or reschedule activities for periods when air quality improves.

Change your clothes and take a shower

Change your clothes after spending time outdoors. Smoke particles can stay on fabric and remain there until your clothing is washed. It’s also a good idea to shower after extended wildfire smoke exposure to remove any particles from your skin and hair.

When To See a Doctor

Contact a healthcare professional if you experience:

• Persistent coughing that does not improve after a few days
• New or worsening shortness of breath
• Wheezing or increased difficulty breathing
• Symptoms that interfere with normal daily activities
• Worsening asthma symptoms despite using prescribed medications
• Signs that your asthma action plan is moving into the “yellow” or “red” zone

If you are at higher risk for complications from poor air quality, monitor your symptoms when air quality declines.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Difficulty speaking because of breathing problems
• Bluish lips or fingertips
• Symptoms of a severe asthma attack that do not improve with rescue medication

“Wildfire smoke can worsen heart and lung conditions, so it’s important for people to monitor their symptoms and seek care if they notice significant changes,” says Dr. Kalhan.

Long-Term Health Risks

Most wildfire smoke events last only a few days, but repeated exposure over time may have lasting effects.

“If people are consistently exposed to these things, it can cause long-term risks for heart and lung diseases,” explains Dr. Kalhan. “Luckily, these high-intensity exposures have usually lasted only a few days. But increasing wildfire smoke exposure creates long-term risk to public health.”

As wildfire seasons become longer and more intense in some regions, monitoring local air quality and limiting exposure remain the best ways to protect your health. If you’re at higher risk, you may benefit from additional precautions, including creating clean-air spaces at home.