Wildfire smoke killing people

Experts warn public to stay indoors as much as possible until air quality improves

As wildfires continue burning, medical experts are warning that smoke inhalation can weaken the immune system and make people more vulnerable to respiratory infections, including the novel coronavirus.

The Centers for Disease Control says wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs, cause inflammation, and make a person more prone to lung infections, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Across California, air quality management districts have been issuing warnings.

Hospitals across the state already have seen an increase in emergency room visits and admissions from patients experiencing an exacerbation of asthma symptoms due to smoke exposure, said Dr. Thomas Yadegar, a pulmonologist at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center.

Yadegar said he has treated more than a dozen patients since the wildfires began.

“Every single one of them said their breathing has been worse … and they’re using their rescue inhalers more often,” he said. “In our patient population, we are definitely getting a lot more calls and dealing with a lot more patients.”

Doctors also are concerned about the upcoming flu season and how much COVID-19, and now the wildfires, will tax hospitals, doctors and resources.

“I have seen a sharp rise in patients in my practice suffering from respiratory problems/ exacerbations over the past few weeks due to the wildfires.” — Dr. Richard Huynh, a pulmonologist at Torrance Memorial Medical Center

“This is not very typical. We usually start seeing more patients with asthma exacerbation in the fall, during cold and flu season, and in the springtime it’s usually due to allergies and the winds, but this year, with all the wildfires, I think it’s the reason we’re seeing increased activity,” Yadegar said.

Even short-term smoke exposure hinders the human body’s ability to fight off infection, said Dr. Richard Huynh, a pulmonologist at Torrance Memorial Medical Center.

“I have seen a sharp rise in patients in my practice suffering from respiratory problems/exacerbations over the past few weeks due to the wildfires,” Huynh said.

Riverside University Health System Medical Center also has seen a slight increase in ICU admissions for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who are suffering exacerbated conditions due to smoke inhalation, said Dr. Destry Washburn, a pulmonologist at the hospital.

He anticipates more admissions and patient appointments for such reasons.