Patients with respiratory diseases are most affected by smoke

Poor air quality caused by farm smoke directly affects the health of people, especially those with underlying respiratory diseases. Pulmonologist Julissa Vizaga says avoiding overexposure to polluted air can help stave off conditions like rhinitis and allergies.

In an interview with Central Affairs, Vizaga warned that the Santa Cruz Hospital Center is receiving a large number of patients sickened by poor air quality.

“The worst affected are patients who already have some form of respiratory disease, those who have tuberculosis with sequelae, those with allergy problems such as allergic rhinitis or bronchitis, smokers and lung cancer patients. Air quality has declined. “, experts said.

Veizaga explained that the oxygen content in the environment is already only 21%, and this is the oxygen we breathe. If we add all the particles in smoke, the amount of oxygen we can breathe decreases.

“Smoke particles enter the lungs and can cause inflammation, chest tightness, coughing or phlegm from breathing difficulties,” he warned.

“We are getting more patients these days who are complaining because they start coughing, have chest pains, feel tired and can’t walk,” he said.

Among the recommendations for avoiding smoking, Vizaga said it’s best to avoid exposure to closed environments and that if we’re going to exercise, it’s best to do it in a closed environment.

“Those with respiratory illnesses should close doors and windows to avoid exposure to smoke,” he said.

The pulmonologist said masks are recommended, but N-95-type masks like those used during the COVID-19 pandemic, because regular surgical masks “won’t help.” “If you notice symptoms of smoke inhalation, it’s best to see your doctor,” Vizaga said.

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