Wildfire smoke could return to western WA

Earlier this week, smoke from the Bear Gulch fire, near Lake Cushman, descended on the greater Seattle area. It’s a reminder that smoke from wildfires can impact the air we breathe.

Common signs that wildfire smoke may be affecting you include headaches, itchy eyes, congestion, a sore throat, or a cough.

But some symptoms should prompt you to call your doctor or consider going to the ER if they are severe.

“Symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, using your asthma medications more than usual, chest tightness or chest pain, and palpitations,” Lung Disease Specialist Dr. Cora Sack said.

In an interview provided by UW Medicine, she noted certain people are more at risk from wildfire smoke because of underlying health conditions, particularly those affecting their heart and lungs.

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