TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – Doctors are urging residents to take precautions as wildfire smoke continues to affect the area, even as the Air Quality Index shows improvement.
Dr. Vinod Khatri, a pulmonologist with Mercy St. Vincent Hospital, said the smoke remains a health concern because of invisible particulate matter that can enter the lungs. He said wildfire smoke can impact the lungs, heart and overall health — particularly for children, the elderly and people with underlying conditions such as COPD or asthma.
What doctors recommend
Dr. Khatri said residents should keep doors and windows closed and consider using a HEPA filter for added protection indoors. He advised against outdoor physical activity and encouraged people to stay inside unless going out is necessary.
“First of all, I would check what the numbers look like at that time,” Dr. Khatri said. “If we had to go out, then we should be using the N95 mask, especially the vulnerable population, that will be important. And if people go out for running, any kind of physical activity should be avoided here, especially in outdoor activities.”
ER visits on the rise
Dr. Khatri said the emergency room at St. Vincent Hospital sees an increase in patients during periods of poor air quality. He said those seeking medical attention are typically more vulnerable individuals who often require anti-inflammatory drugs to help restore normal lung function…