For many of us in the Pacific Northwest, checking the Air Quality Index has become almost as routine as checking the weather forecast. Summer invites us outdoors, but wildfire smoke has also become an increasingly familiar part of the season.
Smoke can travel hundreds of miles and affect our air even when we cannot smell it. Hazy skies, an orange sun, headaches, fatigue, irritated eyes, or a scratchy throat may all signal that it is time to reduce exposure and give your lungs extra support.
To learn how to protect your respiratory health during wildfire season, click here.
Why Wildfire Smoke Affects the Body
Wildfire smoke contains gases and fine particles known as PM2.5. These particles are small enough to travel deep into the lungs and may contribute to inflammation throughout the body.
Short-term exposure can cause burning eyes, nasal congestion, coughing, headaches, fatigue, wheezing, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath. People with asthma, lung or heart disease, allergies, or other chronic health concerns may notice symptoms at lower exposure levels. Children, older adults, outdoor workers, and pregnant people may also be more vulnerable.
Even people without an existing respiratory condition can feel unwell when smoke levels remain elevated for several days.
The Lungs in Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Lung system is associated with breathing, immune defense, the skin, the nose, and our relationship with the external environment.
The Lungs are considered delicate because they encounter outside air with every breath.
Smoke, dryness, heat, allergens, and respiratory infections can easily irritate this system.
Smoke exposure may affect each person differently. One person may develop a dry cough and irritated throat, while another experiences sinus congestion, fatigue, chest tightness, or thick phlegm. Chinese medicine treatment is selected according to the individual’s symptoms, constitution, medical history, and overall pattern.
Check the Air Before Going Outside
Air quality can change quickly depending on wind, temperature, and nearby fires. Check the Air Quality Index before exercising, gardening, opening windows, or attending outdoor events.
When air quality is poor, reduce the duration and intensity of outdoor activity. Moving a workout indoors or shortening a walk can significantly reduce the amount of smoke you inhale.
A well-fitted N95 or P100 respirator can help filter fine particles when outdoor exposure is unavoidable. Cloth and surgical masks do not provide the same protection from PM2.5.
Create Cleaner Indoor Air
Keep windows and exterior doors closed when smoke levels are elevated. Use the recirculation setting on heating or cooling systems when available.
A portable HEPA air purifier can reduce airborne particles in bedrooms, offices, and other frequently used spaces. If filtering the entire home is difficult, creating one cleaner-air room can still provide several hours of lower exposure each day.
Avoid adding more particles indoors by burning candles or incense, smoking, frying foods, using a fireplace, or vacuuming without a HEPA-filtered vacuum.
Soothe Irritated Airways
Drink water regularly to help maintain moisture in the nose, throat, and respiratory tract. Saline nasal spray can help moisturize dry passages and rinse away pollen, dust, and irritants.
Nasal irrigation may also be helpful, but only distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water should be used. Never use tap water directly in a sinus-rinse device.
After prolonged outdoor exposure, changing clothes and taking a warm shower may help remove particles from the skin and hair.
How Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine May Help
Acupuncture cannot remove smoke from the air or replace western medical treatment, but it may provide supportive care for headaches, sinus pressure, stress, muscular tension, and changes in breathing patterns.
When breathing feels uncomfortable, the chest, neck, shoulders, and diaphragm may tighten. Acupuncture may help calm the nervous system, reduce muscular guarding, and support more relaxed breathing.
Chinese herbal medicine may also be appropriate for symptoms such as dryness, throat irritation, cough, congestion, phlegm, or fatigue. Herbal treatment should be individualized because a dry cough requires a different approach than a productive cough with thick phlegm.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
We cannot control the fires, wind, or regional weather patterns, but we can take meaningful steps to reduce exposure.
Checking the AQI, using cleaner indoor air, wearing an appropriate respirator, staying hydrated, modifying outdoor activities, and following prescribed respiratory treatment plans can make a significant difference.
At Amber Wellness Group, we combine evidence-informed guidance with individualized naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, and other supportive therapies to help you care for your health through every season.
