Wildfire smoke poses an immediate threat to people living with respiratory conditions, and the danger often begins before smoke is even visible. During Canada's record-breaking 2023 wildfire season, smoke traveled across continents, exposing hundreds of millions of people to unhealthy air. For the more than 5 million Canadians living with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), those smoky days created serious health consequences that healthcare systems are still working to address .

Why Does Wildfire Smoke Trigger Breathing Emergencies So Quickly?

The biggest mistake people with lung disease make is waiting until they can see or smell smoke before taking action. By that time, harmful particles are already circulating in the air and affecting breathing. Research examining two major wildfire smoke events in Ontario during June 2023 documented significant spikes in respiratory emergencies across the province .

The data is striking. During wildfire smoke episodes, asthma-related emergency department visits increased by up to 23.6%, while hospital visits among children with asthma rose by as much as 40%. Adult asthma-related visits jumped by 48%. Even more concerning, respiratory impacts lasted up to five days after exposure, with emergency visits remaining elevated for nearly a week .

"Wildfire smoke can trigger breathing emergencies very quickly. By the time people smell smoke or see hazy skies, harmful particles are already circulating in the air. For someone living with asthma, COPD, or other chronic respiratory conditions, that delay can mean the difference between managing symptoms at home or ending up in the emergency department," said Dr. Vaibhav Gupta, thoracic surgeon and Chief Medical Advisor for the Lung Health Foundation.

Dr. Vaibhav Gupta, Thoracic Surgeon and Chief Medical Advisor, Lung Health Foundation

Health researchers now consider wildfire smoke one of the fastest-growing environmental threats to respiratory health worldwide, placing increasing pressure on both patients and healthcare systems. For people already living with lung disease, the effects can be immediate and disruptive to daily life .

How to Prepare Your Lungs Before Wildfire Season Intensifies

The Lung Health Foundation recommends that Canadians with asthma, COPD, and other lung conditions take these essential steps before wildfire season begins :

• Review and Update Your Action Plan: Work with your primary care provider or lung care specialist to review and update your Asthma or COPD Action Plan. This document should outline exactly what steps to take if air quality worsens or symptoms worsen.
• Ensure Medications Are Current: Check that all medications are current, not expired, and easy to access when you need them. Keep inhalers in a convenient location and ensure you have refills available.
• Confirm Proper Inhaler Technique: Ask your healthcare provider to observe you using your inhaler and confirm you are using it correctly. Improper technique means medication may not reach your lungs effectively.
• Monitor Air Quality Regularly: Check the Government of Canada's Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) tool regularly to stay informed about pollution levels in your area and understand the health risks they pose.
• Discuss Wildfire Risks With Your Doctor: Have a conversation with your healthcare provider about specific wildfire smoke risks and what warning signs to watch for in your own breathing.

Knowing the air quality number alone is not enough. People living with lung disease need a personalized action plan that tells them exactly what to do if air quality suddenly worsens. This preparation transforms a potentially dangerous situation into one that can be managed at home .

Scott Bailey, who lives with COPD, described the immediate impact of poor air quality: "When the air quality drops, you feel it right away. Things most people take for granted, like walking outside or running errands, suddenly become difficult." This real-world perspective underscores why preparation is so critical for people with chronic lung conditions .

What Should You Do If You Need Additional Support?

The Lung Health Foundation offers one-on-one advice from Certified Respiratory Educators through its Community Navigator program. People can reach out at patientsupport@lunghealth.ca to get personalized guidance on preparing for wildfire season and managing their respiratory health .

With wildfire seasons becoming longer and more severe, education and preparation are now essential tools for protecting lung health in Canada. The time to act is before the smoke arrives, not after breathing problems begin. Taking these steps now could mean the difference between managing your condition at home and spending time in an emergency department when air quality deteriorates .