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Newsweek
3 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Alert Urging People To Monitor Themselves for Coughs Spreads to 3 States
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Air quality alerts advising people to monitor themselves for symptoms such as coughing are in place for three states, with other warnings about poor air quality extending further as Canadian wildfire smoke descends into the U.S. In addition to respiratory symptoms such as coughing, exposure to wildfire smoke could cause an uptick in heart attacks and strokes, Dr. Scott Budinger, the chief of pulmonary and critical care in the Department of Medicine at Northwestern University, told Newsweek. Why It Matters Smoke from the Canadian wildfires has degraded air quality in the Upper Midwest for the past week. In some instances, smoke has impacted sunsets as far south as the Gulf Coast, with people warned of physical impact as far south as the Plains states. As of Friday, air quality alerts advising people to move indoors if they begin to cough are in place for Maine, Michigan and Wisconsin. Other air quality alerts are in place in Nebraska, the Great Lakes and parts of the Northeast. A stock image shows a man coughing. A stock image shows a man coughing. Liubomyr Vorona/Getty What To Know Most air quality alerts warning of symptoms like coughing were set to expire by noon on Friday, although they could be reissued. The alert in Maine included the cities of Allagash, Clayton Lake, Lincoln, Howland and Springfield, among others. "People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, the elderly, those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma, those with heart disease and anyone who is working hard outdoors," an alert from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection said. "But if you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation or an uncomfortable sensation in your chest please consider limiting the intensity and duration of your outdoor activities." In Michigan, the alert was in place for cities such as Benton Harbor, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Ludington and others. "Smoke associated with Canada wildfires persists over the state today," the Michigan alert said. "Levels of PM2.5 into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) range are expected and reading could reach the Unhealthy (Red AQI) range for a short period of time." In Wisconsin, the alert was in place for areas along the Lake Michigan shoreline. What People Are Saying NWS Weather Prediction Center meteorologist Marc Chenard told Newsweek: "To some extent, there's going to be some smoke that's lingering in the Midwest, Great Lakes and into the Northeast through the weekend. "It generally looks like the concentration will be on a downward trend, so that might mean some of the air quality won't be quite as impacted but there will likely still be periods of smoke." An air quality alert in Wisconsin: "Make outdoor activities shorter and less intense. It is OK to be active outdoors but take more breaks. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. People with asthma: Follow your asthma action plan and keep quick relief medicine handy. People with heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider." What Happens Next If someone's cough lasts for seven days or is associated with breathlessness, they should see a doctor. Most of the air quality alerts will expire on Friday.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
People in Multiple States Advised to Monitor Themselves for Coughs
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Officials in Michigan and Maine warned residents to monitor themselves for respiratory symptoms, including coughs, as poor air quality hit both states on Wednesday. Health advisories and air quality alerts blamed elevated fine particulate and ozone levels caused by wildfire smoke and other pollution sources for putting people in several counties in both states at increased risk of adverse health effects. Coughing is the lungs' only defense mechanism, said Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, a volunteer medical spokesperson with the American Lung Association (ALA). "A cough is the body's way of saying, 'hey, you're breathing in something we don't really agree with,'" he told Newsweek. Why It Matters Air quality alerts mean increased risks for Americans, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, and individuals with preexisting heart or respiratory conditions. Fire-related air pollution can worsen conditions such as asthma and lead to more serious health events during periods of elevated pollutants. With nearly half Americans already living in areas with failing grades for particle or ozone pollution, according to the ALA's 2025 "State of the Air" report, the current alerts underscore persistent and growing public health challenges from air pollution across the United States. What to Know Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy issued an Air Quality Advisory for Wednesday, across at least 15 counties, including Emmet, Cheboygan, Leelanau, Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Manistee, and several in the Upper Peninsula. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) rose to levels considered 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' or higher, with some areas reaching the red AQI range, according to the EPA's AirNow platform. Officials recommended avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, especially for people with heart disease, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. Authorities instructed residents to monitor for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning of the nose, throat, and eyes. Residents were also advised to keep windows closed overnight and use high-efficiency filters (MERV-13 or higher) in home air systems. A stock image of a woman coughing. A stock image of a woman coughing. Liubomyr Vorona/Getty The Maine Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Bureau of Air Quality issued an Air Quality Alert from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 11 p.m. Thursday for much of the state—including Hancock, York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo counties. The alert cited ozone levels predicted to reach the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' range, with particle pollution levels also expected to be moderate statewide due to wildfire smoke. Officials recommended limiting strenuous outdoor activity, warning that the health impacts could be compounded by ongoing heat and humidity. The DEP specifically urged people who may be especially sensitive—including children, the elderly, and those with asthma or heart disease—to consider reducing the intensity and duration of outdoor activities if symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, or throat irritation develop. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone, the primary pollutants cited in both states, can irritate the respiratory system and worsen chronic conditions. Wildfire smoke contains small particles able to penetrate deep into the lungs, increasing risks for bronchitis, asthma attacks, and potential cardiovascular impacts. Short-term exposure to unhealthy air can cause noticeable symptoms even in healthy individuals, but the risks are substantially higher for those in at-risk groups. Monitoring for symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, and chest discomfort remains crucial for early intervention and prevention of severe outcomes. Galiatsatos told Newsweek that coughing is a good thing in that it is the body's way of expelling something potentially dangerous, but there are instances where someone should seek medical attention. "Your cough itself doesn't need emergent medical attention," he said. "However, if you're also experiencing breathlessness, talk to your doctor or seek more urgent care." Other reasons to see a doctor include a cough lasting more than seven days. What People Are Saying Galiatsatos told Newsweek: "If the Air Quality Index is high, over 100 for the general population, people should really take that into account in regards to their safety. People with preexisting conditions such as asthma or COPD, anything greater than 50 should really be taken into consideration." The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Gaylord, Michigan, said in an air quality alert: "Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning, and use of residential wood burning devices." What Happens Next Air quality advisories in Michigan and Maine are scheduled to remain in effect through the end of Wednesday and Thursday depending on local conditions. Officials in both states have advised residents to monitor air quality forecasts and follow health recommendations as pollution levels may fluctuate due to weather and wildfire trends. Galiatsatos urged people to regularly pay attention to their local air quality. If air quality is poor, people might choose to stay indoors, limit their time outside, or keep preventive medications on hand, such as an inhaler.
