How To Heal Your Lungs After Wildfire Smoke Inhalation

The recent wildfires on the West Coast have been devastating. Not only to the environment but also to human health. The impact on air quality has affected California and multiple surrounding states. 

And I've seen firsthand how this has affected people.

Since the fires began in the beginning of January, I've seen an increasing number of patients suffer from health issues caused by wildfire smoke inhalation. Respiratory symptoms and lung conditions are by far the most common problem I see after these types of fires. And even when patients use N95 masks, respirators, or HEPA filters, people with underlying lung diseases can still have issues. 

That's why this month, I want to share the reasons why wildfire smoke is so harmful and the different ways I help my patients heal, protect, and strengthen their lungs after breathing it in. 

What Makes Wildfire Smoke So Toxic?

Wildfire smoke is different from other types of smoke and pollution largely because of the materials that get burned during the fires. And unfortunately during wildfires, more than trees are getting burned. 

When houses, cars, and other materials are burned, different toxins are released into the air called particulates. The smaller these particulates are, the more damage they cause in the lungs and the rest of the body. Certain bacterial and fungal diseases can also be spread through wildfire smoke.¹

A study looked at different materials that get burned during wildfires and found that the most toxic material is plastic. In fact, when plastic is burned, it produces 20 times more particulates than other materials like cardboard and wood.²

And the small particulates from wildfires can travel more than 600 miles. So even if you're not living in an area right near a wildfire, you can still be affected.³

What Are the Symptoms of Wildfire Smoke Exposure?

Short-term exposure to wildfire smoke can cause many symptoms. These symptoms are due to the inflammation and damage that the toxins cause - with plastic being the worst culprit.² Symptoms include:

  • Coughing

  • Throat irritation

  • Shortness of breath

  • Wheezing

  • Eye irritation

  • Watery eyes

  • Headaches

People with chronic lung diseases may have acute flares (exacerbations) of their conditions. These respiratory conditions include asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Also, those with heart disease (cardiovascular disease) are at a higher risk of having an acute event like a heart attack or stroke.⁴

The Long-Term Effects of Wildfire Smoke Inhalation

When toxins from wildfire smoke are inhaled, the part of the body that's affected the most is the lungs. But if smaller particulates are inhaled, they're more likely to spread to other parts of the body and cause damage. 

A diagram of how different wildfire smoke particulates and toxins affect the lungs and the body.

Airborne particulate matter and their health effects.⁵

Wildfire smoke can cause both acute and long-term harm to the lungs and to overall health. Prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke can have serious health consequences, including:¹

  • Increased risk of cancer

  • Reproductive issues/infertility

  • Weakened and dysregulated immune system

  • Brain and nervous system conditions

  • Developmental delays

  • Diseases of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease)

  • Lung diseases

  • Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression

The four particulates shown in the above diagram can trigger inflammation, increase free radicals (toxins) in the body, decrease antioxidants in the body, and suppress the immune system. 

Our bodies mostly get antioxidants from the foods we eat, and they help filter out toxins and improve inflammation. But if these antioxidants are also being decreased by the wildfire smoke, it can become difficult for our bodies to keep up. 

While there are many, one important antioxidant that's decreased by smoke inhalation is glutathione. This antioxidant is important for regulating the production of other antioxidants like vitamin C and E. Also glutathione helps our bodies detoxify from harmful toxins and pollutants - including wildfire smoke.⁶

Nutrition and Supplements To Improve Lung Health

After or during wildfire smoke exposure, the importance of diet can't be stressed enough. Making sure you're eating nutrient-dense foods can help counteract the oxidative stress and inflammatory effects of smoke inhalation.

I recommend eating an organic whole foods mediterranean diet. This type of diet is rich in omega-3s from fish, nuts, and oils. It's also high in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Adding green tea into your daily routine can also help increase your antioxidant intake.¹

Supplements To Protect Your Lungs and Body

In addition to your diet, supplements may be needed to help your body heal. Here are some supplements I recommend my patients take during and after they've been exposed to wildfire smoke:¹

  • Vitamin C: An antioxidant that helps support immune function and lung health. Dosing is three to six grams daily.

  • Vitamin E: Another antioxidant to support immune and lung health. Dosing is up to 800IU daily.

  • Sulforaphane: A plant-based compound that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. The dose ranges from 30-50mg a day.⁷

  • Liposomal glutathione: A powerful antioxidant that helps filter out toxins and lower inflammation. Dosing is 500mg a day.

  • N-acetylcysteine (NAC): A precursor to glutathione, it helps break down mucus and supports lung detoxification. Dosing is 1800mg daily.

  • Turmeric (Curcumin): This compound is from an east-indian plant and has well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Dosing will depend on the product, but it's typically 500 to 2,000mg daily.⁸

  • Quercetin: A plant-based compound (flavonoid) that helps decrease inflammation and allergic reactions. It's also an antioxidant that’s dosed at 500mg twice a day.⁹

  • Resveratrol: This compound is found in over 70 different plants, and it's a potent antioxidant. Dosing is 450mg a day.¹⁰

  • B-complex vitamin: B vitamins help support cell function and energy. A high quality B stress complex will give a good range of your daily B vitamins to include on top of your diet.¹¹ 

  • Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): These are omega-3 fatty acids that help decrease inflammation. Dosing is three grams of both EPA and DHA.¹²

Medications to Help Heal Your Lungs After Exposure to Wildfire Smoke

In addition to different supplements and dietary changes, certain medications can accelerate lung recovery.

Glutathione Nebulization

One of the most effective medical interventions for detoxifying the lungs is glutathione nebulization. As discussed earlier, glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes toxins, reduces inflammation, and improves lung function.

And when smoke is inhaled, our body's glutathione levels decrease - especially in the lungs.¹³ So to heal the lungs and help them become more resilient, glutathione nebulization is an excellent option. When used as a breathing treatment, glutathione can:

  • Clear mucus from the respiratory tract

  • Protect against oxidative stress damage (damage from toxins called free radicals)

  • Improve lung function, especially in people with chronic respiratory conditions

Glutathione is also listed above as an oral supplement. But oftentimes, glutathione's strength is affected when it gets digested by the stomach and intestines. This is why when it comes to healing the airways, the nebulized version is the best.

I also use glutathione in patients with lung conditions like asthma and COPD. I recommend that all of my patients with respiratory conditions have this medication prescribed if you’ve been exposed to wildfire smoke. 

Patients will typically take one to two treatments a day, and each treatment takes five to 15 minutes. The only reason you couldn't take this medication is if you have a sensitivity to sulfites and react poorly to oral glutathione. This is something we can work on, however, and I recommend you come in to see me so we can discuss.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention for Wildfire Smoke Inhalation?

Most mild symptoms from smoke inhalation resolve with time and supportive care. But if you have worsening or persistent symptoms, you may need additional treatment. If you or a loved one are concerned about wildfire smoke inhalation, make sure to talk to a medical professional or book an appointment with me for us to discuss a personalized treatment plan for you based on your past medical history and current issues.