C. Oregon ‘s hazy air quality sends some to doctors
Many people living in Central Oregon woke up to a hazy view of the Cascades Tuesday as the area was under “moderate” air quality due to smoke from wildfires burning in the southwestern part of the state.
Doctors are seeing people with respiratory problems this week because of the heavy smoke.
Summit Medical Group-Bend Memorial Clinic was treating people on Tuesday who were suffering from difficulty breathing.
Dr. Dave Ingraham said the smoke does irritate the lungs, and people with respiratory problems will experience wheezing and tightness in the chest.
“A young, healthy person with healthy lungs — it may be irritating, but it’s unlikely to hurt you,” Ingraham said. “But if you have a history of lung problems, asthma, emphysema, or if you’re a cigarette smoker, the best thing is to stay out of the smoke and stay indoors.”
A veterinarian tech from the Humane Society of Central Oregon told NewsChannel 21 people should not leave their pets outside for a long period time when the area is experiencing unhealthy air.
Kelsey Penn said some pets do suffer from respiratory problems and could be impacted with all this smoke.
Penn recommends people take their pets outside just for a short walk or to let them use the restroom.
“Smoke and ash can cause a lot of eye irritation. breathing, hacking or coughing, any sort of nasal discharge, eye discharge — they can all be factors when we have this smoky weather,” Penn said.
Many people said they were aware of the air quality but decided to go out and enjoy the outdoors.
NewsChannel 21 spoke to Robert Carrillo, who was out walking with his wife Tuesday at Drake Park.
Carrillo said the smoke and unhealthy air was bad last year, compared to this year, and they like to walk to help with his health.
You can see the air quality in various parts of the region by clicking on this link:
