Know the symptoms of smoke exposure and when to seek care
Mild symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure are common during heavy events: irritated eyes, scratchy throat, mild headache, runny nose, mild cough....
Mild symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure are common during heavy events: irritated eyes, scratchy throat, mild headache, runny nose, mild cough. These usually improve once you move to cleaner air. More serious symptoms warrant medical attention: shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest pain or tightness, dizziness, heart palpitations, severe wheezing, or worsening symptoms in someone with asthma or COPD. Anyone with a chronic heart or lung condition should contact their healthcare provider early in a smoke event, not after symptoms become severe. Asthma reliever inhalers (typically blue) should be kept accessible. If you are using a reliever more than usual, that is a sign your condition is destabilising and you should contact a doctor. Severe shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, or signs of stroke (drooping face, slurred speech, weakness on one side) are 9-1-1 emergencies regardless of whether smoke is involved. Pregnant people, infants, and people with diabetes or kidney disease should also be cautious, because smoke exposure can affect those conditions through cardiovascular and inflammatory pathways.
Using your asthma reliever inhaler more often than usual during a smoke event is a sign to call a doctor — not a sign to keep pushing through.
Source: Canada — Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke Exposure
Last reviewed 2026-05-02.
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