Breathing Problems: How to Deal With Fireworks Smoke

Normal vs. swollen airways.

Fireworks smoke contains toxic dust that can irritate your lungs and can cause breathing problems. If you have a health problem that affects your breathing, air pollution such as smoke can make your breathing suddenly get worse. It can make you cough and have more mucus, and it can cause you to be short of breath.

Preventing breathing problems

If you have breathing problems that are made worse by fireworks smoke:

  • Stay indoors, preferably in an air-conditioned room.
  • Do not smoke. Stay away from smoky places.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Keep taking your medicines exactly as prescribed.
  • If you have a quick-relief inhaler, take it with you, and use it as prescribed.
  • Ask your doctor about wearing a mask.

It is hard to breathe deeply when you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. However, breathing exercises can make breathing easier and help keep your lungs healthy. You can learn to control your breathing by practicing breathing techniques every day. Follow your doctor's instructions on how to do these exercises.

  • Pursed-lip breathing is breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth while almost closing your lips.
  • Diaphragmatic breathing is deep breathing in which your belly moves, but not your chest.

Treating a reaction caused by fireworks smoke

A severe COPD flare-up or asthma attack can be a life-threatening emergency. Try using your quick-relief inhaler first, and follow your plan for what to do to treat your symptoms.

When to call your doctor

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You have severe trouble breathing.
  • You have severe chest pain.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have shortness of breath or wheezing that is rapidly getting worse.
  • You are coughing more deeply or more frequently, especially if you notice an increase in mucus (sputum) or a change in the color of the mucus you cough up.
  • You cough up blood.
  • You have increased swelling in your legs or abdomen.
  • You have a high fever.
  • You have used your quick-relief medicine or followed your plan of what to do if your symptoms get worse, but you are still short of breath.
  • You develop flu symptoms.
  • You notice that your medicine is not working as well as it had been.
  • You use oxygen at home and feel like you need more. Use only the amount recommended by your doctor. In some people with COPD, too much oxygen can be dangerous.

If your COPD or asthma symptoms, such as a cough, mucus, and shortness of breath, suddenly get worse, you may be having a flare-up or exacerbation. Quick treatment may help you to prevent serious breathing problems and avoid a hospital stay.