Smoke Poses Health Complications

Sore eyes, runny nose, irritated throat and lungs – if this sounds like you, don’t feel like you’re alone.  The smoke that has dominated the past several days in Jackson have been, at best, irritating to most people.  For others, says Teton County Public Health Officer Dr. Travis Riddell, it can be more of a health hazard than mere irritation.  Dr. Riddell says it is particularly dangerous to people who have active prior health issued; like those with lung issues including asthma, chronic lung disease like C.O.P.D., or people with heart disease.   He says “they can much more easily have exacerbation in conditions like this.”   Dr. Riddell’s advice is for those people in particular to stay indoors if they can; and if they do need to leave the house, try to do it later in the day when the smoke often lifts or is dissipated by light afternoon winds.  Those who don’t normally have health conditions may find themselves suffering from headaches and light-headedness in addition to the respiratory irritations.  Once again, Riddell says limiting activity is the best defense.