Eugene-area pediatrician shares how to protect, talk with kids about wildfire smoke

Wildfire smoke may have cleared the valley, but it will inevitably be back, and so will the dangerous pollutants in it. 

Children are one of the most vulnerable groups affected by wildfire smoke because of their smaller bodies, developing lungs, faster breathing and tendency to be outside more. Babies under a year old, especially those born prematurely, are especially vulnerable. 

Dr. Miranda Lanning of PeaceHealth River Bend has lived in the Eugene-Springfield area for nine years, which means she’s been a pediatrician through nine Oregon wildfire seasons. She said wildfire smoke doesn’t necessarily mean she sees more children in her clinic, however, she knows parents of kids with asthma and other respiratory illnesses are treating more symptoms at home with inhalers.

Kids can experience the same symptoms as adults when exposed to smoke — a sore throat, cough, eye irritation, fatigue and shortness of breath, said Lanning. But she said there is also evidence that chronic exposure to wildfire smoke can cause long-term negative changes to kids’ lungs. 

Tips for breathing easier

To maximize protection of little ones on bad smoke days, follow these tips from Lanning:

• Close windows and doors at home and in the car
• Use air filtration devices inside
• Make sure kids with asthma have enough medication to sustain more frequent use

How to balance outdoor play and protecting kids

Whether or not to let kids be outdoors when smoke is in the air is a decision every caretaker faces. Lanning gave some things to consider: 

• Heat: High temperatures can make effects of wildfire smoke worse because heat and smoke both cause symptoms including fatigue and headaches.
• Air quality level: The quality of the air changes day to day and sometimes hour by hour. Check Lane Regional Air Protection Agency for updates and limit kids’ activities outdoors especially when the quality is unhealthy or unhealthy for sensitive groups.
• Activity level: Breathing smoke while doing strenuous activities like running or playing a cardio-heavy sport is worse for kids’ lungs than less strenuous activities.
• Age and risk level: Babies and kids with pre-existing lung conditions are the most prone to experiencing the negative affects of smoke.

How to talk with kids about smoke

Lanning said talking with children about the dangers of smoke in an age-appropriate way is the best way to let kids know what’s happening outside.

To soothe worry, she recommends reassuring kids that adults will keep them safe, and focusing on the things that they can do to control their exposure, such as limiting time outside. Maintaining routines to the extent possible is also important, she said — as well as keeping adult stress in check.

“We know that children absorb more from watching and listening to us than we recognize,” she said. “Having a calm conversation with a kid is way more important than trying to shield them from what’s happening.”