LA Harbor News

• As of last year, reports have shown that more than one-third of Americans live in areas with poor air quality.

• With the Canadian wildfires affecting the U.S. throughout the summer, it's likely that your breathing has been affected.

• If you suffer from asthma or other sinus issues, seeking treatment from a sinus specialist can help to reduce issues that could be triggered by bad air quality.

With the air quality in the U.S. on a decline, millions of Americans have had to deal with the health risks that come along with that. Dr. Matt Hershcovitch of SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers said most of what we're breathing in is entering through our nose, which is why these air quality issues could affect some people in more ways than expected.

"Humans are obligate nasal breathers; everything we breathe in is primarily through our nose,” Hershcovitch told LA Harbor News. “People with nasal obstruction or chronic sinusitis have more difficulty with that. But if you have diseased sinuses, the air you're breathing in is not being filtered appropriately. The disease and bacteria in the sinuses are often going inward with the breath and causing lung problems."

The American Lung Association's 2023 “State of the Air” report indicated that 36% of Americans, about 119.6 million people, currently reside in areas with unhealthy amounts of ozone pollution. Particulate matter pollution -- which includes ash, dust, metals and soot -- is at its highest level ever in areas with a population of about 63.7 million people.

Wildfires have impacted a number of countries around the world, and a report issued last year by the UN Environment Programme found the number of extreme wildfires could jump by as much as 14% by 2030 and up to 30% by 2050, according to a CNN report. 

NPR reported that Canada has been experiencing its worst wildfire season on record amid rising temperatures and dry conditions, which also are impacting a number of regions in the U.S. This is impacting air quality, with no end in sight to the wildfire season, which usually runs through October, according to CNN. 

While bad air quality isn’t good for anyone, it can be a bigger issue for people who struggle with sinus issues and asthma, fueling problems that could be exasperated by nasal inflammation, according to the American Sinus Institute. Swelling blocks the nasal passages and leads to an increase in mucus, which could spark an infection. 

If you're prone to any of these issues, seeking treatment from a sinus specialist can help. To learn more about the symptoms of sinusitis and allergies, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.