Fireworks

It’s easy to get caught up in the beautiful spectacle of a fireworks display, but for Americans with breathing problems, the poor air quality following fireworks can literally take their breath away.   

If you have a respiratory condition such as asthma or COPD, fireworks can affect air quality and your health. Fireworks shows can cause enough second-hand smoke and irritants to trigger symptoms that might require more asthma medication than normal, or even a more aggressive intervention.

Tips for breathing easy on July 4th:

• Those with poorly controlled or severe asthma may want to limit or avoid fireworks.

• Don’t get too close to a large amount of fireworks smoke or particulates.

• Don’t sit immediately downwind of a large local show or even the neighborhood display.

• Take your everyday asthma meds regularly.

• If you sometimes need an inhaler, take it with you.

• See your doctor if you symptoms increase.