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Oct 09, 2023

New Buffalo Sickness May Be Due To Wildfires

The Central Canada wildfires are ongoing in the Central Canadian provinces of

The Central Canada wildfires are ongoing in the Central Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec, and Western New Yorkers are feeling the repercussions across the border.

Local weather forecasts reveal that the air quality is supposed to be unhealthy throughout the rest of the week as crews continue to battle the wildfires in Canada, making it harder to breathe – especially for sensitive groups.

However, many Western New Yorkers will feel the effects of the smoke, and it may present itself in ways you wouldn't expect.

I noticed the onset of symptoms as they hit me rather quickly after walking outside on Wednesday around 10:15 AM. You could see ash falling from the skies in downtown Buffalo. Not only was it hard to breathe, but other things started to affect me, including:

I felt fine throughout the morning, and all of a sudden, I felt extremely ill.

Turns out, the sickness feeling has been making a wave throughout Buffalonians.

Today should be fun. Anyone else get a slight cough/sore throat yesterday?by u/cornpeeker in Buffalo

Doctors say people whose symptoms continue to get worse should get medical attention.

Many people with asthma have been struggling with the smoke, but others are feeling the effects too – so much so to the point that many are calling it a "temporary sickness."

If you have asthma, heart problems, or allergies, there are ways you can help minimize the symptoms.

Dr. Aida Capo, a pulmonologist trained to diagnose and treat diseases of the lungs, spoke with CNN Health about things you can do as the crews continue to fight these fires.

"One of the recommendations for people who have asthma is to use their rescue inhaler 15 minutes before going outside into this type of air quality," Dr. Capo said.

Using your prescribed medications from a doctor to help your asthma, heart issues, and allergies can help decrease your risk of worsening disease with this air quality.

But should you take benadryl or another over the counter allergy medication?

The wildfire smoke doesn't necessarily have the same effect as allergies although it may feel like they same in relation to how it irritates you. Antihistamines typically dry us up, so it could help you clear your sinuses, but it won't really help with the anti-itching.

If you are allergic to the smoke particles, then it would definitely help a bit, but your throat may still itch.

Until the smoke clears up, it would be in your best interest to reduce strenuous physical activity that requires deep breathing. It's definitely not a good time to go for a run or a jog.