Protecting Your Body During Smoke Season
Wildfire season has become a reality for many communities, bringing smoky skies and poor air quality that can affect people of all ages. Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles, carbon monoxide, and other chemicals that can travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Exposure can lead to coughing, throat irritation, headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, and worsening symptoms for people with asthma, heart disease, or other chronic health conditions.
Poor air quality doesn’t just affect your lungs it can also place additional stress on your body. When your body is under environmental stress, it activates protective responses that can contribute to muscle tension, fatigue, disrupted sleep, and increased inflammation. Staying healthy during wildfire season means supporting your body in multiple ways.
While chiropractic care cannot treat the effects of smoke exposure, maintaining a healthy, well-functioning nervous system may help your body adapt to everyday physical stressors. Chiropractic care focuses on improving spinal function and supporting communication between the brain and body. Combined with healthy lifestyle habits, this can be part of an overall wellness plan during periods of poor air quality.
To protect yourself during smoky conditions:
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor.
- Use a high-efficiency air purifier if possible.
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Stay well hydrated and prioritize quality sleep.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise until air quality improves.
If you’ve noticed increased muscle tension, headaches, or stiffness during wildfire season, your chiropractor can evaluate your spine and discuss strategies to help you stay comfortable while your body manages the added environmental stress. Taking proactive steps now can help you continue enjoying life while protecting your health throughout wildfire season.
References
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2024). Wildfire smoke and your patients’ health. https://www.epa.gov/wildfire-smoke-course
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Wildfires and your safety. https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/
Reid, C. E., Brauer, M., Johnston, F. H., Jerrett, M., Balmes, J. R., & Elliott, C. T. (2016). Critical review of health impacts of wildfire smoke exposure. Environmental Health Perspectives, 124(9), 1334–1343. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1409277
