Cedars-Sinai pulmonologists are increasing clinic availability to support patients with respiratory conditions exacerbated by wildfire smoke in Los Angeles County.
RT’s Three Key Takeaways:
- Expanded Clinic Access: Cedars-Sinai pulmonologists have added availability to their schedules to address an expected rise in respiratory issues caused by wildfire smoke in Los Angeles County.
- Respiratory Health Guidance: Patients with conditions like asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis are advised to use prescribed inhalers and controller medications to manage airway inflammation from smoke exposure.
- Smoke Mitigation Tips: Cedars-Sinai recommends staying indoors, using N95 masks outdoors, recirculating air indoors and in cars, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities to minimize exposure to wildfire pollutants.
Cedars-Sinai pulmonologists, expecting to see an increase in individuals with respiratory issues due to the ongoing fires in Los Angeles County, have proactively added availability to their clinic schedules.
“Patients with airway diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, and asthma, may experience worsening of symptoms due to exposure to poor air quality from wildfire pollutants,” says Isabel F. Pedraza, MD, an assistant professor of medicine and director of the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Cedars-Sinai, in a release. “We want to ensure that our patients have access to care when they most need it.”
[RELATED: Wildfire Smoke Linked to Surge in Lung and Heart Medical Visits]
Pulmonology patients, Pedraza says, should be sure to take their inhalers as prescribed, as well as any other “controller” medications that contain an inhaled steroid.
“Both inhalers and controller medications can help reduce the airway inflammation brought on by smoke,” Pedraza says in a release.
Pedraza offered several other tips to anyone experiencing smoke and fire debris:
- Stay indoors as much as possible, keeping windows closed.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
- Use fans to keep cool; if you are using air conditioning, adjust the system to allow for recirculation and prevent intake from outdoor air.
- Wear N95 masks when outdoors, especially in areas with dense smoke.
- Keep car windows rolled up and set vents to recirculate air.
- Ensure you have all necessary respiratory medications on hand. If you have asthma but are not currently on your maintenance steroid inhaler, consider restarting the inhaler.
For those experiencing worsening respiratory symptoms—such as an uncontrolled cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath—Pedraza says patients should contact their care provider as soon as possible. Cedars-Sinai Urgent Care is also available to support patients.
