The California wildfires have been devastating to say the least, and has topped $10 billion in total damage. The loss of property is disastrous, but what is also concerning right now is that these wildfires have emitted a lot of smoke into the air.
The California wildfires are not only burning trees and shrubbery, but people’s homes and property as well. Thus, the smoke being produced is a complex mixture of gases and fine particles of wood, as well as fumes from other materials like paint, metal, batteries, and other products commonly found in buildings and homes. The biggest health threat from smoke is from particulate matter (PM), which is invisible to the human eye. These microscopic particles can cause a range of health problems, from burning eyes and a runny nose to aggravated chronic heart and lung disease. Exposure to particle pollution is even linked to premature death because it can infiltrate deep into your lungs, reaching the alveoli and affecting the bloodstream.
People suffering from heart or lung disease.
A diabetic person, as they have the chance of developing an underlying cardiovascular disease.
Pregnant women, as prolonged exposure to smoke inhalation may affect the developing fetus leading to premature births and low birth weights in infants.
It’s important to protect yourself from smoke in order to avoid health risks. Here are some steps to reduce exposure to smoke inhalation hazards.
If you can leave the area, then go and stay with friends or family who live far away from the smoke.
Consult your health care provider. Discuss when to leave the area, how much medicine to have on hand, and your asthma or COPD action plan if you suffer from any of these diseases.
Make use of air cleaners and filter devices – often marketed as HEPA - to remove indoor air pollution. You can also use personal protective equipments (PPE), like respirators and P-100 masks to reduce the effect of hazardous smoke.
Lastly, pay attention to the air quality alerts that are available through local news media, and your state agencies.
There are many painful side effects of smoke inhalation. Moreover, if you have a lung disease or face an elevated risk of heart attack, then it’s better to proceed to a safer area and get medical attention. Nevertheless, consult your health care provider if you experience the following effects of prolonged smoke inhalation:
These symptoms can easily be treated or analyzed with medical help, like receiving oxygen or getting a bronchoscopy.
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
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