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Liath Guetta (pulmonologist)
Eye irritation, coughing fit, runny nose… Exposure to smoke is not without health risks. What are the symptoms to recognize? And who are most at risk? The answers of Dr Liath Guetta, pulmonologist.
The risk of fire starting is greater in summer. In Gironde alone, more than 13,000 hectares of forest have gone up in smoke this week. An ecological disaster, which is also a public health problem. Once the smoke is inhaled, the health repercussions should not be overlooked.
Exposure to smoke: what consequences?
Although rare, smoke poisoning – white or black – is not trivial.
This contains a certain number of toxic elements for health: benzene, cyanide, carbon monoxide, fine particles…. These substances make it difficult to breathe and can aggravate existing heart and respiratory diseases.
“In the event of exposure to smoke, there is a hyperreactivity of the bronchi, which can turn into an asthma attack with the key to a strong cough, chest tightness, wheezing and difficulty breathing.… “, warns Dr. Guetta.
To calm the inflammation, only one solution: quickly move away from the source of smoke and take appropriate treatment (inhaled corticosteroids).
“People can also continue to whistle for more days or even weeks. In this case, prompt medical attention is necessary.”
Note that smoke inhalation should be suspected as soon as the following respiratory symptoms appear: a dry cough, wheezing, chest tightness and significant weakness or fatigue.
Smoke: people most susceptible to harmful effects
“People with asthma or who smoke, those prone to chronic bronchitis, as well as all those with respiratory illnesses are most at risk”warns Dr. Guetta.
Young children, the elderly and people with illnesses are also more susceptible to the harmful effects of smoke exposure.
They must take special precautions at home (keep windows and doors closed, limit outdoor activities, etc.) as soon as the smoke conditions are light to moderate.
Of course, the longer the exposure to smoke, the more the risks increase (decrease in lung function, development of chronic lung diseases, cancers, drop in immune defences, confusion, coma, etc.).