One of the challenges of managing asthma is that symptoms can vary from day to day. Air quality can be a major factor in these fluctuations.
I always encourage my asthma patients and their families to keep an eye on daily air quality. Here are five keys to understanding how asthma and air quality are linked — and how air quality information can help you stay healthy.
1. Why should people with asthma be aware of air quality?
Researchers have linked asthma with exposure to air pollution, and I see the proof in my practice. More people have asthma flare-ups when air quality is poor.
In general, smog, smoke, and exhaust that comes out of tailpipes and chimneys can impact our air. Benzene, a carcinogen in cigarette smoke and gasoline, plays a role, too.
When these pollutants are inhaled, they can irritate the lungs and cause:
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Dizziness
- Sneezing
- Lethargy
- Shortness of breath
- Throat irritation
People with asthma are especially susceptible. Learn more about how air pollution affects asthma symptoms.
2. What affects air quality in Philadelphia?
In the Philadelphia area, refinery operations affect the quality of our air. The dense urban landscape and traffic can worsen air quality, too. Circulation from our river corridors and the Fairmount Park system help improve our air.
Air quality in Philadelphia tends to be worse during:
- Peak refinery operations
- Rush hour
- Summer ozone formation
- Regional pollution episodes
Fortunately, there’s an easy way to keep track of our air quality.
3. What’s the air quality index (AQI)?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created the AQI system. It conveys the condition of outdoor air at a specific location. You can find Philadelphia’s AQI on AirNow.gov, local media outlets, and your phone’s weather app.
AQI is divided into six levels, each with a value range. The higher the value, the more concerning the air quality. The colors make it easy to follow:
- Green: Good — 0 to 50
- Yellow: Moderate — 51 to 100
- Orange: Unhealthy for sensitive groups — 101 to 150
- Red: Unhealthy — 151 to 200
- Purple: Very unhealthy — 201 to 300
- Maroon: Hazardous — 301 to 500
For people with asthma, AQI can act as a roadmap. This data can help you know when outdoor activities are safe and when it’s a good idea to adjust your plans.
4. What can people with asthma do at different AQI warning levels to manage symptoms?
On green and yellow days, you can stick to your regular schedule. But be aware of how you’re feeling. Asthma can flare up at any time. It’s just more likely to be triggered when AQI is high.
On days that are orange or above, people with asthma are at risk of worsening symptoms. I recommend these precautions:
- Avoid long periods of time outdoors, especially between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- Stay away from areas with lots of traffic and avoid traveling during rush hour. Keep your car windows rolled up.
- Step away from the gas pump when you’re refueling.
- Keep your distance from anything emitting smoke or exhaust. This might mean limiting your time waiting at the bus stop.
- Avoid exercising outside, as it increases the amount of low-quality air you inhale.
- If you do have to go outside, consider wearing an N95 mask to help filter airborne particles.
On purple or maroon days, everyone should stay inside — not just people with asthma.
It’s especially important to follow your asthma medication plan when AQI is elevated. Talk to your care team about how you might use your rescue inhaler on days with high AQI.
5. How can people with asthma get personalized help?
Asthma looks different in each person, and it varies due to air quality, too. That’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment.
It’s really important to get care from a team that understands this and specializes in asthma and lung health. At Temple Heath, we’re pleased to offer this expert care through our dedicated Asthma Program. We are a leader in asthma care and can provide personalized treatment and breakthrough therapies.
Whether you need an initial diagnosis or want to make sure your asthma is as well-controlled as possible, we can help. You don’t have to live with worsening symptoms and more frequent flare-ups.
Temple Health can help you breathe more easily, even in the face of environmental challenges. Schedule an appointment or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today.
