Smoke in the Air

It is pretty evident that the air quality in Western Canada has been severely affected by the frightening wildfires burning out of control in B.C.
But what does that do to our health? What does it do for those who suffer from chronic illness?

Obviously there are a wide array of symptoms that mostly everyone has experienced during this period of smokey air:
Dry & itchy eyes, migraine headaches, breathing issues, and even some nausea and flu-like symptoms.

To confound the issue, air pollution in general can evidently lead to widespread systemic inflammation.
It can trigger inflammation in the body and can continually make it worse.
This can add so many more problems with anyone who may already be suffering from inflammatory illnesses, with the effects on IBD being a main focus in many studies, such as one here.

I have been feeling a lot worse this week. From additional nausea and more severe migraines (that I attributed to the air quality), then added issues with food, weight loss, weakness, I have been just generally feeling even more unwell than my particular normal.
Turns out, this widespread flare-up could be as simple as an effect from the smokey air quality.

On so many days I am reminded of how well our bodies adapt to some of the most severe symptoms and continue to function. We have so many coping mechanisms that are inherent and instinctive. And yet, on other days, we are reminded of how fragile our systems CAN be.
I am currently not very close to the potentially devastating wildfires. They are barely even in the province in which I reside.... and yet I am really struggling this week with worsened symptoms.... everywhere.
It feels like every disease I have has decided to kick my ass simultaneously.

So TAKE CARE and if you live close to the poor air quality, take extra precautions.
The whole situation is scary, and widespread increased inflammation can pile onto an already tough situation.

I know that I plan on hunkering down a little bit and trying to get to where the air is more clear if I can (even hanging out near a stream or water to breathe in mist instead of smoke for a while). Remember to check your filters and circulate the air within your homes. Use eye drops or humidifiers or air purifiers. Whatever helps.