Today, we're talking about a topic that's becoming increasingly important for all of us –– climate change, wildfire smoke, and their effects on our immune system health.

While we often associate wildfires with the West Coast, the reality is climate change is impacting everyone, everywhere. Even here in Ohio, we’ve been experiencing hazy skies and poor air quality due to wildfire smoke drifting from other parts of the world. And for those of us with allergies, asthma, or autoimmune conditions like Sjogren's, it can make us feel like our bodies are under attack. I’ve personally noticed my Sjogren’s symptoms, especially my fatigue and joint pain, tend to flare on days when the air quality is poor.

Climate Change: More Than Just a Warming Planet

Climate change is about more than just rising CO2 levels. It’s about the cumulative effects of all these environmental changes on our bodies over a lifetime –– what scientists call climate exposures. Think rising temperatures, extreme weather (those heat waves and droughts that seem to be happening more often!), and worsening air pollution.

Wildfire Smoke: Unmasking the Dangers

Wildfire smoke is a toxic cocktail. It's not just ash and debris; it contains hundreds of chemicals, from formaldehyde and benzene to particulate matter so small it can penetrate deep into our lungs and even enter our bloodstream. Each wildfire has its own unique chemical “fingerprint,” making it even more challenging to understand the long-term impacts.

Wildfire smoke affects more than just our lungs! It can trigger or worsen:

• Asthma attacks: Making it hard to breathe.

• Allergy symptoms: Itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing –– even hives and skin rashes!

• Cardiovascular problems: Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

• Mental health challenges: Anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, even sleep problems!

Who's Most Vulnerable? Protecting the Most at Risk

Certain groups are more vulnerable to the health impacts of wildfire smoke and other climate-related events:

• Pregnant women: Increased risk of premature birth and other complications.

• Children: Those developing lungs and immune systems are especially vulnerable!

• People with existing health conditions: Asthma, heart disease, obesity.

• Communities impacted by environmental injustice: People of color, low-income communities, those with limited access to healthcare. These groups are often disproportionately affected by pollution and other environmental hazards.

Taking Action: Protecting Yourself & Your Family

Here's what you can do:

• Evacuate Early: If you’re in a mandatory evacuation zone or are at high risk, don’t wait! Prepare an emergency kit in advance.

• Minimize Exposure:

  • Outdoors: Wear an N95 mask – these masks offer much better protection than cloth or surgical masks.

  • Indoors: Use air filters (HEPA filters are most effective!), keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.

• Manage Your Symptoms: If you have asthma or allergies, talk to your doctor about using your medications proactively – before symptoms even start.

• Returning Home After a Wildfire:

  • Run your water for several hours to clear out potential toxins, especially important if you’re on well water.

  • Be cautious about letting children play on potentially contaminated surfaces (playgrounds, soil). It’s a good idea to get your soil tested!

The Long-Term Impact

The effects of wildfire smoke aren't just temporary. Studies have shown that exposure can alter our DNA –– what we call epigenetic changes. These changes can even be passed down to future generations. And beyond the immediate threat, there’s evidence suggesting a potential link between wildfire smoke exposure and an increased risk of cancer, lung disease, and other chronic conditions.

Monitoring Air Quality: Staying Informed

It’s essential to know what you’re breathing! You can find real-time air quality data on the EPA’s AirNow website or app. And for those who want more specific, localized readings, I recommend getting an at-home air quality monitor, such as PurpleAir or AirThings. These are especially helpful if you live near areas with frequent wildfires or industrial pollution.

A Doctor & Patient's Perspective: Midwest Smoke & Sjogren’s

Living in the Midwest doesn't make us immune to the effects of climate change. While we might not be battling flames directly, that wildfire smoke from fires hundreds or thousands of miles away can drift across the country, impacting our air quality and our health. I’ve noticed more and more patients coming in with worsening allergy symptoms on hazy days, even when pollen counts aren’t particularly high. It’s a clear sign that we’re breathing in irritants and pollutants carried on the wind.

My Sjogren’s symptoms, especially fatigue and joint pain, tend to worsen when the air quality is bad, so I really prioritize those simple strategies for minimizing my exposure, like staying indoors with my air purifier running, and avoiding strenuous activities on those high-pollution days. For my patients with Sjogren’s, we always consider these environmental factors as part of their treatment plan. We talk about… (discuss strategies you recommend for minimizing exposure to pollutants, such as using air filters, managing stress during poor air quality days, paying attention to hydration, and supporting their overall immune health with diet and lifestyle choices).

Taking Action: A Call for Change

We can't just wait for the next wildfire or heatwave! What can you do?

• Reduce Your Footprint: Even small changes have a big impact! Can you walk or bike instead of driving? Carpool with friends or take public transportation? Every little bit counts! Conserving energy at home is another simple but impactful step – turn off those lights when you leave a room, unplug devices when you're not using them, choose energy-efficient appliances.

• Advocate for Change: You have a voice! Talk to your local healthcare administrators about going green. Are they using renewable energy? Are there ways to reduce waste at your hospital or clinic? Contact your elected officials and urge them to support climate action and environmental justice!

A Healthier Planet, A Healthier You

We're all connected. Our health is inextricably linked to the health of our environment! We can create a healthier future –– for ourselves and generations to come!

Need support and resources on your Autoimmune and Sjogren's journey? Be sure to join my free Facebook group, the Success with Sjogren’s Sisterhood and Becoming Immune Confident Community, for support and connection! I’m also accepting new patients at my private practice – you can find the link to the waitlist on my website.

What Are Your Climate Change Concerns?

What steps are you taking to protect yourself, your family, and our planet? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.