Prioritizing your health with poor Valley air quality from wildfires

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Seasonal allergies and mixed air quality are common in the Central Valley, and health experts can't stress enough the importance of following up with your doctor anytime you feel symptoms.

"The air quality is really poor, and we are seeing them coming in with a lot of coughing, nasal drainage, itchy eyes and feeling uncomfortable when it comes to breathing," says Dr. Praveen Buddiga.

Dr. Buddiga says most recently, he's seen several of his regular patients, as well as some new ones, both young and old.

Many are feeling the effects of smoke from the Garnet Fire burning in the Fresno County mountains.

His best piece of advice is to monitor your time outdoors, rinse off before bed and change your air filters at home and in the car.

"All those particles and dust material get into your hair, and in the night, you breathe that stuff and in the morning, your sinuses are congested," he said.

The San Joaquin Valley Air District says as long as there are active wildfires, air quality is at risk of being unhealthy.

"Because it's burning for so long and that gets caught in our atmosphere, we can see that haze from anywhere and you are going to for some time to come," says Heather Heinks with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.

It's also advised to keep an eye on the air quality index to help make decisions about your activities for the day.

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