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Kimberly Houk ReportingThe inversion now is affecting the respiratory systems of the young and the elderly. In fact, pediatric units are full and overflowing at hospitals along the Wasatch Front.
Utah hospitals are turning to their over-flow plans. They're all working together to make sure they have enough beds for all the kids who are having trouble breathing.
Oxygen masks are needed in every room on the pediatric floor at McKay Dee Hospital in Ogden. The children need them to breathe.
Neil Gardener, Head Nurse: “We do see an increase whenever there is a winter inversion. This year seems to be a little bit worse than normal. We are seeing a lot of respiratory illnesses."
Bonnie Jacklin, Registered Nurse: “They have a runny nose. They have a cough. They have a hard time breathing. They have a temperature. You see the cold that's just not getting better."
Kathleen Paul, Registered Nurse: “They're certainly exacerbated by the inversion. Their symptoms are worse, and people with chronic illnesses are developing symptoms that if the weather were nice, maybe they wouldn't have."
Nurses say a large part of treating patients is keeping them indoors and out of the pollution. Dr. Steven Packham of the Department of Environmental Quality says although staying indoors is better, it won't keep you entirely away from the pollution.
Dr. Steven Packham, Department of Environmental Quality: “These particles are very small and they do come inside. And in fact, particulate levels inside can be as high as outside."
However, he says people who stay inside are generally healthier because they don't use as much energy as they would if they were outdoors. And it's keeping kids out of the inversion, and on oxygen, that's keeping medical staffs busy.
Gardner: “The respiratory therapists are working overtime, extra hours trying to help provide treatments for these patients."
Hospitals are also seeing an increase in elderly patients who are either asking to be admitted or asking for some oxygen. Doctors say it's the inversion that's making it difficult of them to breathe, too.