Fire Season used to be during the summer months, but now it’s abundantly clear that it’s yearlong . Just yesterday there were numerous fires in southern Colorado which means we can expect poor air quality.

Dr. Soteres provides general recommendations and specific recommendations for those with respiratory Health issues:

• People living close to fire- stricken areas should remain indoors
• Ordinary dust masks will not filter out fine particles that can cause distress
• HEPA filter masks can filter out small and irritating particles, but they are hard to tolerate for people with breathing problems- like COPD and Asthma
• Do Not exercise outdoors
• Children are more susceptible to problems from the irritation of smoke fumes
• When driving your car in smoky area, close the vents and keep windows closed.  Operate A/C only on “re-circulate” mode

For those with respiratory issues:

• Stay indoors as much as possible with you’re A/C  on
• Your symptoms may worsen, so please call your doctor if there’s an increase in cough, wheeze or shortness of breath
• You may need a change in medication to help handle the increased stress.
• If you must go outside, use a damp cloth over your mouth to help filter the air.
• If using oxygen at home, don’t adjust the levels without talking to your doctor.
• If respiratory symptoms are not relieved with usual medications then seek medical attention.
• If you develop a cough, painful breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath then call your doctor.