Exposure to wildfire smoke can also cause headaches. The reason for this is complicated, but it does not mean we cannot take steps to avoid headaches as a result of local wildfires. Let us dive into what smoke does to your body and your head specifically so you can be better prepared to prevent the pain and discomfort.
Is the headache from wildfire smoke all in your head?
“ The headache isn’t all in your head,” said Dr. Gopal Allada, an associate professor of medicine specializing in pulmonary and critical care in the OHSU School of Medicine. It is a symptom of wildfire smoke exposure, Allada said, along with some of the more obvious ones like scratchy throat and itchy eyes. What to do about these symptoms?
All over social media, people are reporting headaches that they are associating with the wildfire smoke that is covering the state. “I feel like my brain is about to turn to jelly,” tweeted Madelyn Miller, in response to an inquiry from The Oregonian/Oregon, and live. “I haven’t had a headache like this in a long time.”.
Also suffering throughout California are migraine headache patients subject to the smoke, ash, and fumes that fill the atmosphere and air. In the Los Angeles region, the more frequent fires that occur most if not every year are something that migraine headache patients have come to dread.
Why do I get headaches when I have a burning fire?
Pay attention to a burning fire, whether it is from wood or pallets. Do you get headaches at the grill, by a bonfire, or home by the wood-burning fire? That may mean that you have a particular Gene SNP (a genetic alteration you were born with), due to which your enzyme for breaking down and detoxifying smoke is not working properly.
What are the symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure?
“We’ve had our windows closed for days, but I’m waking up every morning with a sore throat and dry nasal passage.” They are among the symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure, according to UC Health. Other symptoms include stinging eyes, wheezing, chest pains, runny nose and asthma attacks, UC Health says.
What are the symptoms of wildfire smoke inhalation?
Symptoms associated with wildfire smoke inhalation: Shortness of breath – Continuous exposure to smoke pollution may show up initially as shortness of breath, whereby you find it difficult to breathe even during low-impact tasks. A sore throat – A sore throat can be closely associated with smoke inhalation.