Unhealthy air quality continues a few more days in Valley

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Parts of the Valley are facing the highest levels of dangerous smog we've seen in years. As a result of prolonged high pollution levels, doctors across the Valley are seeing an increase in patients complaining of breathing problems.

Many people are also heading to urgent care since they can't get into their own doctor's office. But the one place they say you don't want to go is outside.

Despite hazy views and health alerts, a lot of people are still getting in their vigorous outdoor exercises. "I have noticed the last couple of days riding my bike around here you can see the haze," said Fresno resident Chris Blake.

Blake said he'll opt for an indoor workout, but he likes to ride his bike at least once a week. And plenty of other runners and joggers are joining him.

But that type of outdoor activity is landing a lot of otherwise healthy people in urgent care. "I've got a number of people thinking that their allergies are flaring up," said Dr. Robert Hansen of Willow Urgent Care. "They didn't understand it that it's not their allergies, it's the bad air. We're getting a fair amount of that coming in."

Those are moderate health impacts that can be treated. But the unknown and lasting impacts are what's worrying Fresno allergist Dr. Bill Ebbling. "We don't know all the effects of those inhaled micro-fine particles that go into the blood stream, but it can't be good," Dr. Ebbling said. "But then just the chronic irritation of the airways isn't good. When it says unhealthy, that's what it means, unhealthy."

Until the air clears, Blake says he'll try to balance his exposure with his exercise. "You can't do it for too much longer, or else you'll feel a toll," he said.

Doctors also say if you're on allergy or asthma regimens, make sure you follow them closely during this unhealthy time.