The Threat of Wildfires and Pulmonary Complications: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Purpose of Review The increase in wildfire prevalence and severity has generated alarm as wildfire air pollution is associated with significant respiratory morbidity. We aim to summarize the pathophysiology of wildfire air pollution causing lung disease, current knowledge of pulmonary health effects, and precautionary guidance to the public. We also propose specific guidance for high-risk patients during wildfires. Recent Findings Health effects of wildfire air pollution have been difficult to evaluate; however, respiratory morbidity has been firmly established including exacerbation of known pulmonary disease and increased hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and dispensation of reliever medications. Public health agencies and officials provide wildfire preparation recommendations and active updates to the public during a wildfire event but fail to address specific needs of chronic lung disease patients considered high-risk for pulmonary complications. To fill this void, it is increasingly important for pulmonary physicians to understand wildfire-related pulmonary morbidity and provide specific guidance to their patients. Summary This review summarizes the health effects of wildfire air pollution and provides guidance for the management of high-risk patients during wildfires.