Having trouble catching your breath these days? I have asthma, and I’ve learned that it’s up to me to do whatever it takes to get through each day as best I can. That includes monitoring the smoke in the air from the Canadian wildfires so I can limit the effect it has on my breathing.
When the air is smoky, the best thing I can do is pay attention early. I do not wait until I feel bad. I check the air quality and make choices before I need them. That helps me stay ahead of a flare-up instead of trying to fix one after it starts. If you have asthma, allergies, or another breathing problem, this kind of planning can make a real difference.
The Air Quality Index is a way to know what the situation is locally that might have an adverse effect on breathing. Watch your phone for alerts on air quality and if it’s bad, stay inside. Turn on the air circulation system in your car so you are not feeding fresh air inside while you drive. Roll the windows up and use the air conditioning to keep the air breathable and use an air cleaner when you’re home.
It can help to make a few small changes in your routine when the air is poor. For example, if you usually take a walk in the morning, you might wait until later in the day or skip it altogether on a bad air day. If you need to run errands, try to keep trips short. If you can ask someone else to go for you, that may be a better choice. These are not signs of weakness. They are ways to protect your health.
By going to AirNow.gov you can learn what the air quality is in your local area. On the days the air quality is bad, you might want to use an N95 face mask if you’re going to be outdoors for an extended amount of time. It will filter out any ash particles. Apparently, surgical masks and cloth masks can’t filter out the particulate matter from the fires.
If you have an N95 mask, make sure it fits well. If it does not seal close to your face, it will not work as well. It can also help to keep one in your car, purse, backpack, or by the door so it is easy to grab when you need it. If you do not have one, and you know smoke is in the air, try to limit time outside as much as you can.
Consider creating a written asthma action plan so that you have a way of controlling your asthma on days when air quality is at its’ worst. Use an air cleaner in the house and keep your windows closed on bad days. While it’s no fun having allergies and being forced to breath smoke-filled air when you go outside, following these steps will help you breathe easier.
A written plan can be very helpful because it gives you clear steps to follow when you are not feeling your best. You can write down what medicines you take, when you take them, and what to do if symptoms get worse. You can also list warning signs that mean you need help. Keep the plan in a place where you can find it fast. You may also want to share it with family, roommates, or anyone who helps care for you.
Here are a few other things that may help on smoky days:
- Keep your windows and doors closed as much as possible.
- Run your air cleaner if you have one.
- Stay inside when the air quality is poor.
- Avoid hard outdoor work or exercise.
- Use your car’s recirculation setting instead of outside air.
- Pay attention to how your body feels and rest when you need to.
It can also help to prepare before the smoke gets worse. If you know bad air is in the forecast, take care of errands early. Charge your phone. Fill any medicine you may need. Keep water nearby. If you use inhalers or other breathing medicine, make sure you know where they are and that they are not expired. These simple steps can lower stress later.
For some people, air quality problems do not just affect breathing. They can also make a person feel tired, worried, or stuck inside. That can be hard. If you are already dealing with a disability, another health problem, or limited transportation, smoky air can create even more barriers. That is one reason planning ahead matters so much. It gives you more control on a day when control may feel limited.
If you live with others, talk with them about what helps you on bad air days. Maybe you need the thermostat set a certain way. Maybe you need help closing windows or moving activities indoors. Maybe you just need a reminder to check the air quality before heading out. Clear communication can make things easier for everyone.
If you’d like more information on creating an asthma action plan, please contact Disability Network Lakeshore at 616-396-5326.
DNL is a nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving people with disabilities in Ottawa and Allegan counties, Michigan. Our services are free. If you need help finding disability resources, learning your options, or problem-solving around barriers, we are here to help.
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442 Century Lane
Holland, MI 49423
Services
Advocacy
Assistance Animals
Information & Referral
Peer Support
Emergency Readiness
Social Security Disability
Social Participation
Veterans
Skills Development
Employment
Transition
Nursing Home Transition
Youth Services
About
Contact Us
The Ability Award
Blog
DNL Live
Satisfaction Survey
Volunteer
Office Hours: 8am–4:30pm M-F
Privacy Policy
UCP of Michigan
Info@dnlakeshore.org
Phone: (616) 396-5326
Fax: (616) 396-3220
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