An otolaryngologist explains the effects of poor air quality.
She says that wildfires impact both visible and invisible air quality.
Wildfires impact both visible and invisible air quality, and your nose is your first line of defense.
Melanie Carver became chief mission officer for AAFA in 2020.
Previously, she served as vice president of community health and marketing from 2016 through 2020.
She leads the organizations community services, marketing and communications, education, and grassroots advocacy.
Kenneth Mendez became CEO and president of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) in early 2018. He came to AAFA from AdvaMed, the world’s largest medical technology association, where he served as senior executive vice president and chief revenue officer for 12 years.
When the air is so impure, the functionality of the nose as the first-line filter gets greatly reduced.
This can lead to breathing issues like coughing and wheezing.
When the nasal lining gets so dry, people are prone to nosebleeds.
The more frequently you have nosebleeds, the longer it takes for recovery, she says.
Additionally, poor air quality can make your allergies and environmental sensitivities worse.
Bad air quality outside can make your dust or dog allergy inside act up.
Wildfires do not only affect people in the immediate fire area, he says.
Smoke can blow many miles away and impact people hundreds and even thousands of miles away.
Smoke and ash contain harmful particles that can irritate even healthy lungs.
Kenneth Mendez became CEO and president of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) in early 2018. He came to AAFA from AdvaMed, the world’s largest medical technology association, where he served as senior executive vice president and chief revenue officer for 12 years.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
If possible, only go outside when the air quality is better.
If you do need to go outdoors, wear a mask.
If air pollution is at hazardous levels, an N-95 rated mask would provide protection for your airways.
Refrain from exercising or doing any breathing-intensive activities when outside.
Its okay to exercise indoors, just be sure to take frequent water breaks, says Dr. Chandrasekhar.
Youll also want to stay well hydrated.
Remember how bad things taste when your mouth is really dry?
Its because your taste buds are not up to par in that condition.
Hydrating up is very restorative.
Im a big fan of saline gel, she says.
Its easy to apply and very soothingand lasts for a long time.
She adds thatair purifiersandhumidifierscan help improve your indoor air quality.
You dont have to do a big HVAC job to get the benefit.
Cool-mist humidifiers are also nice, she says.
Additionally, aim to breathe in through your nose to properly filter the air you inhale.
Theres a punch in of Yogic breathing called pranayama with controlled breaths in and out, she says.
It is also a great way to quell anxieties which are rampant especially in bad times like these.
A simple pranayama exercise you’re free to try isbreath extension.
Start by inhaling for four to five counts through the nose.
Hold for four counts.
Then exhale deeply through the mouth while making a sound.
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