Wildfire Smoke and Pediatric Lung Health: What the Clinician Needs to Know

Abstract

Introduction: Wildfires are increasing over time due to climate change, resulting in increased human exposure to harmful particulate matter and other toxicants in wildfire smoke (WFS).

Methods: A narrative review of literature indexed in PubMed was performed, focusing on studies of the respiratory health effects of wildfire smoke in children, clinical and public health management strategies, and advocacy opportunities for clinicians.

Results: Children are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of WFS, which include exacerbation of asthma and other underlying pulmonary disease, as well as lower respiratory tract infection, sinonasal allergies, and decrements in lung function. As trusted healthcare professionals, pediatric pulmonary providers have a unique opportunity to help children with chronic respiratory disease and their families protect against WFS exposure.

Conclusions: This paper provides a primer on the epidemiology and pathophysiology of WFS as it relates to respiratory health, gives the reader tools to help children and families prevent and manage exposure, and describes opportunities for advocacy to both protect child health and address climate change.

Keywords: Environmental health; air pollution; asthma; climate change; cystic fibrosis.