The biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles. These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into your lungs. They can cause a range of health problems, from burning eyes and a runny nose to aggravated chronic heart and lung diseases. Exposure to particle pollution is even linked to premature death.

Extensive fire damage to trees can significantly alter the timber supply, both through a short-term glut from timber salvage and a longer-term decline while the trees regrow. Water supplies can be degraded by post-fire erosion and stream sedimentation, but the volume flowing from the burned area may increase.

Wildfires release harmful pollutants including particulate matter and toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and non-methane organic compounds into the atmosphere. Wildfires can cause displacement, stress and anguish to people who have to flee them, beyond those who suffer direct impacts.

With a vast majority of the Bay Area affected by the smoke, it was difficult to avoid inhaling some particles. For people who may be concerned about their respiratory system, the good news is that the lungs of most healthy adults can recover fully from smoke damage, even in severe cases, according to Balmes.

It may take time for the lungs to fully heal, and some people may have scarring and shortness of breath for the rest of their lives. It’s important to avoid triggering factors such as cigarette smoke. Persistent hoarseness may occur in people who have sustained burn or smoke inhalation injuries or both.

There are several things you can do to keep the smoke out and protect your health.

1. Pay attention to air quality.
2. Stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed.
3. Keep the indoor air clean.
4. Do not add to indoor pollution.
5. Stay hydrated and take measures to soothe any symptoms.
6. If you must go out, wear the right mask.

Drink a lot of water. Wildfire smoke inhalation causes microscopic particles to get trapped in your lungs. They can get into your bloodstream and travel throughout your body, contaminating your organs. Water helps flush these particles from your system.

Wildfire smoke can make anyone sick. Even someone who is healthy can get sick if there is enough smoke in the air. Breathing in smoke can have immediate health effects, including: Coughing.

Your lungs can’t take the heat Smoke isn’t the only health hazard you should avoid. The heat itself is harmful. “Inhaling air that is consistently at a higher temperature than the surrounding air can cause more damage to the lining of your lower respiratory tract than smoke inhalation,” says Dr. Pichurko.

Burning a candle releases chemicals that can be potentially dangerous to human health. However, there isn’t any definitive research showing that exposure to candle smoke increases your risk of developing any health condition. Inhaling any type of smoke can be unhealthy.

What Is the Treatment for Smoke Inhalation?

1. Oxygen is the mainstay of treatment.
2. Oxygen may be applied with a nose tube, mask, or through a tube down the throat.
3. If the patient has signs and symptoms of upper airway problems (hoarseness), they will most likely be intubated.

Smoke inhalation kills in just a few minutes and also quickly obscures vision, creating disorientation that can prevent a safe escape. A victim may be rendered unconscious very quickly, leading to rapid death.

The smell of smoke can easily spread to other parts of the house through the vents and walls. As a result, it can easily get into your respiratory system and cause harm the same way the smoke does. The materials produced during a fire are the same ones that make the smell of some very dangerous.

Inhaling harmful smoke can inflame your lungs and airway, causing them to swell and block oxygen. This can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome and respiratory failure. Smoke inhalation commonly happens when you get trapped in a contained area, such as a kitchen or home, near a fire.