Protecting Your Lungs When Air Quality Is Poor

Raising Awareness During Clean Air Month

You don’t always have to see or smell poor air quality for it to affect your lungs. In fact, some airborne irritants are completely undetectable and have a significant impact on lung health, especially over time. 

 

Health care providers often see the effects of poor air quality most clearly in patients with chronic respiratory conditions.  

 

“The most common air quality issues we see with our patients are lung exacerbations from asthma or COPD,” explained Kristine Worcester, a respiratory therapist at Aspirus Health. These flare-ups can make breathing more difficult and often lead to increased need for medications or medical care. 

 

Certain times of year tend to bring on more respiratory challenges. Warmer months in particular are associated with higher levels of airborne irritants. “Most of them, especially in the spring and the summer, come from particulate matter, ozone, and environmental factors such as pollen,” Worcester noted. These elements can irritate airways, triggering symptoms in people with underlying lung conditions and even affecting those without previous respiratory diagnoses. 

 

One of the more serious contributors to poor air quality in recent years is wildfires. 

 

“Smoke can be extremely damaging to our lungs,” Worcester shared. “It significantly increases the particulate matter in the air.” These tiny particles can be inhaled deeply, where they interfere with the body’s natural ability to clear irritants and maintain healthy lung function. 

 

A common misconception is that air quality can be determined by sight or smell, but Worcester wishes more people knew that’s not always the case. “People assume that the only time the air is bad is when you look outside and it's full of smog or smoke,” she said. However, air quality can be poor even when skies seem clear. 

 

This is why it’s a good idea to check a credible online source before heading outside, especially if you have a condition that affects your lungs. Worcester recommends the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow, which is considered the primary national source for air quality in the U.S. It provides the Air Quality Index (AQI), wildfire smoke maps, and health guidance to help you make informed decisions about outdoor activity. 

 

Another important concept Worcester wants more people to know is that lung health is cumulative. "One day probably isn’t going to turn into a major event for you,” she explained. However, ongoing exposure to poor air quality will gradually impact lung function and overall respiratory health, especially as people age. That’s why it’s important to limit time outside when air quality is poor, especially if you’re going to be breathing heavily from exercise. 

 

Clean Air Month serves as an important reminder that what we breathe has a direct effect on respiratory health. Worcester emphasizes just how essential lung health is to everyday life. “Lung health is so important to every person,” she said. “If you can't breathe, nothing else matters.” 

 

If you have questions about your lung health, talk with your primary care provider. To find a compassionate, expert Aspirus provider near you, visit aspirus.org to use the Find a Doctor tool. 

 

---

• Previous Post

 

Back to all Posts