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SALT LAKE CITY — Recent fires and dry weather conditions have recently sent a lot more people to the emergency room with respiratory problems.
University of Utah Hospital saw a spike in the number of ER visits from people having trouble breathing a few weeks ago.
"I was seeing, over a course of a day, at least double the number of patients I'd normally see," said emergency physician Dr. Troy Madsen.
But Madsen says areas closer to wildfires are likely seeing spikes now.
This was, I think, primarily [due to] the high temperatures which lead to high levels of ozone and that affects the lungs. Put in, on top of that, some of the fires we had.
–Dr. Troy Madsen
"This was, I think, primarily [due to] the high temperatures which lead to high levels of ozone and that affects the lungs," he said. "Put in, on top of that, some of the fires we had."
Madsen says the key, now, is to be aware of the potential of problems and to prevent future problems.
"August has always been a rough month in the ER for lung problems because everything is dry and there's a high wildfire risk," Madsen said.
He says the higher temperatures increase the levels of ozone in the air, and anyone who has been diagnosed with emphysema or asthma needs to have their prescriptions refilled and their rescues inhalers with them.
