January is almost through and the air quality index isn’t great. While ozone levels are green, particulate matter is moderate. People who are sensitive to air pollution often find it harder to spend a lot of time outside. The weather may be tempting when it’s in the 60s and sunny, but people with allergies and asthma often find it hard.
Premium Urgent Care‘s guide helps you determine what to do when the AQI is too high. As tempting as it is to get outside, it puts your health at risk. Here’s what you need to know about the AQI and why it’s so important to have an action plan.
What is the Air Quality Index?
The EPA created the Air Quality Index (AQI) to share vital information about an area’s air quality. The index is used to measure the ozone levels and particle pollution. This is important for anyone with allergies, asthma, or chronic health conditions that affect the cardiopulmonary system.
With the AQI, five major air pollutants are monitored. These are more likely to impact your health.
- Carbon monoxide (Colorless and odorless gas that’s the result of burning natural gas, propane, or wood.)
- Ground-level ozone (What forms when nitrogen and the VOCs produced by the sun meet.)
- Nitrogen dioxide (The result of burning fossil fuels. It’s a main component in smog.)
- Particulate matter (Tiny particles from crushed stone, industrial emissions, power plants, road dust, vehicle exhaust, wildfires, and woodstoves.)
- Sulfur dioxide (The result of fossil fuel combustions and volcanic activity.)
The AQI covers six levels, each assigned a color to help quickly alert people to issues.
- Green (Good) – Levels are between 0 and 50.
- Yellow (Moderate) – Levels are between 51 and 100.
- Orange (Unhealthy for Sensitive People) – Levels are between 101 and 150.
- Red (Unhealthy) – Levels are between 151 and 200.
- Purple (Very Unhealthy) – Levels are between 201 and 300.
- Maroon (Hazardous) – Levels are over 300.
When levels are higher than green, you need to take care when you’re outside. Wear a mask if needed or limit time outside. Children, older adults, pregnant people, people with chronic health conditions affecting the heart or lungs, and outdoor workers need to monitor themselves for signs of problems. That includes difficulty catching your breath, coughing a lot, experiencing uncharacteristic fatigue, or having palpitations.
Why Are Health Conditions Impacted by a Higher AQI?
Air pollution’s major five components all impact your airways through irritation. The tiny particles irritate the delicate lining of the lungs, nose, throat, and airways and trigger inflammation. As the inflammation increases, it makes it difficult to breathe. Some of the biggest problems with a high AQI include:
- Coughing
- Decreased lung function
- Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
- Increased or new asthma attacks
- Respiratory infections
- Wheezing
If the body doesn’t get enough oxygen and you have underlying health issues related to the lungs or heart, a heart attack or stroke may occur. It can trigger tachycardias, which strain the heart. You don’t want to experience any of those alarming effects of air pollution.
Build an Action Plan
Always have an action plan that matches the current AQI level. If the air quality worsens and you’re halfway on a trail, what do you do? When you have a plan in place, it makes these situations easier to navigate.
Asthma and Allergy Action Plan
Allergies occur when the immune system has a strong reaction to an irritant like pollen, pet dander, or even particulates like smoke from a wood stove or wildfire. Taking medication if your allergies are flaring up is helpful. Staying inside when the AQI is moderate or higher is a good idea. If you must go outside, consider wearing a mask and limit the amount of time you’re outside.
Asthma is worse. It’s a chronic lung disease where the airways narrow and swell, which leads to coughing, excessive mucus, and breathing difficulties. In severe asthma attacks, the airways may become blocked. If you have asthma, never leave your home without your inhaler. Have a bracelet or card that alerts people to the fact that you have asthma. Wear a mask and don’t stay outside for long.
Cardiovascular Disease Action Plan
Cardiovascular disease is a broad term covering diseases that impact the heart and blood vessels. Air pollution can worsen a heart condition and lead to heart attack or stroke. Avoid going outside if the risk is moderate or higher.
If you do go outside, make sure you have a phone available. Even better, have someone join you when you’re outside. If you experience any chest tightening, irregular heartbeats, or difficulty breathing, seek medical care.
Because you may collapse and be unable to communicate, wear a First Alert device. Many smartwatches also have fall sensors and will alert paramedics to your location. It may cost money, but it’s worth it to know that if something does happen, help is on the way.
Lung Disease Action Plan
Chronic health conditions involving the lungs worsen when air pollution is present. This includes health conditions like COPD and emphysema. Don’t risk it. Stay inside with windows closed, air conditioning on if it’s hot, and an air purifier running. Keep your oxygen nearby.
Again, masks, emergency alert devices, or joining others so that they can get help is important. Ask your doctor about medications and precautions you can use if you have to go out.
Plan for Children, Athletes, and Pregnant People
Children, athletes, and pregnant people often have increased respiration rates. This makes them more susceptible to the effects of air pollution. Wear a mask and limit how long you’re outside. Know the signs that your lungs and airways are affected by the smoke and seek medical help if you experience them.
Public Action Plan
The public doesn’t need to be alarmed unless the levels are extremely high. If so, the best plan is to stay indoors with AC running if needed, windows closed, and air purifiers running. If you must go outside, restrict your actions to the early morning hours.
Know When to Go to Urgent Care
When should you seek urgent care for your symptoms? If you are feeling uncomfortable with difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, or a cough that doesn’t ease, urgent care is essential. If you cannot catch your breath after walking a short distance, go to urgent care immediately.
Premium Urgent Care is here to help you feel better when the AQI is poor. Use our convenient online check-in to see a doctor as quickly as possible before air pollution worsens your health.