New research suggests COPD patients lack critical information and clinical guidance to manage respiratory risks during wildfire events.
RT’s Three Key Takeaways:
- Communication Gap: Most patients with COPD have not discussed the respiratory risks of wildfire smoke with their healthcare providers.
- Mitigation Knowledge: Research indicates that patients often lack awareness of specific protective measures, such as using indoor air purifiers, and vehicle air recirculation settings.
- Clinical Guidance: Patients express a preference for receiving real-time, actionable information from their healthcare teams during periods of poor air quality.
Wildfire smoke can trigger breathing difficulties and exacerbations for individuals with COPD, but many patients are not receiving the necessary health information to remain safe, according to a study published in the May 2026 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation.
Wildfire smoke is a leading cause of pollution in the US and is particularly dangerous for those with COPD, which includes emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. The condition affects more than 30 million Americans and remains the fourth leading cause of death worldwide.
Researchers from Kaiser Permanente Northern California interviewed patients with COPD who lived near significant wildfire events to evaluate their understanding of smoke risks, protective behaviors, and information sources. The study revealed that while most participants rely on smartphone apps for air quality data, they have not had conversations with their doctors about how poor air quality affects their health.
The interviews also showed a lack of knowledge regarding mitigation strategies, such as the use of indoor air purifiers, and vehicle air recirculation buttons. Participants expressed a preference for receiving real-time guidance from their healthcare team when air quality poses a risk.
“Some patients are already monitoring air quality but not all,” said Laura C Myers, MD, MPH, of Kaiser Permanente Northern California and senior author of the study, in a news release. “We need to make sure that people with COPD receive accurate, actionable guidance from trusted sources in real-time so they can take actions to protect themselves. Patient-centered approaches to wildfire preparedness can help the most vulnerable people prepare for and respond to air quality events before their symptoms get worse.”
