--- title: "Asthma and Bushfire Smoke | Australia Wide First Aid" description: "Bushfires release harmful gases, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide and a range of organic compounds. This affects the air quality,  irritating sensitive airways and triggers asthma. Children, the elderly, smokers, and people with existing heart and lung conditions, including asthma, are usually the first to feel the effects of bushfire smoke and particle pollution. " canonical: "https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/asthma-bushfire-smoke" --- # Asthma and Bushfire Smoke [Resources](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources) › [Allergy and Asthma](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources?genre=allergy-and-asthma) Allergy and Asthma It's bushfire season, which means the burning of wood and bushland releases harmful gases, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide and a range of organic compounds. This not only causes a threat to your home and the environment, but it also affects the air quality,  irritating sensitive airways and triggers asthma. Children, the elderly, smokers and people with existing heart and lung conditions, including [asthma](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/resources/what-is-asthma) are usually the first to feel the effects of bushfire smoke and particle pollution. As a result, **Australia Wide First Aid** encourages you to take extra care the during summer/bushfire season. ## Asthma Bushfire Plan If you are living with asthma in a high risk bushfire zone, you should include asthma management in your [fire safety survival plan.](https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/your-guide-to-survival/) 1. Follow your personal, written action plan 2. If you don't have an asthma action plan and are struggling to breathe, take 3-4 separate puffs of a blue/grey asthma reliever. 3. If your symptoms do not get any better, follow our [First Aid for Asthma](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/resources/asthma-triggers-and-asthma-plans) steps. ## Be Ready For Bushfire Season - Visit your doctor and update your Asthma Action Plan prior to the burn off/bushfire season. This will help you identify your asthma and know how to manage it well. - Make sure you know how to perform First Aid for Asthma on yourself. Let others around you know you have asthma and educate them First Aid for Asthma too. - Continue using your asthma preventer medication, even when you are feeling well. - Keep an extra reliever puffer with your most precious items, such as your wallet, keys, medical papers and photographs. Do not place your puffer in your car as extreme heat will make the medication ineffective. ## How To Minimise Your Exposure to Bushfire Smoke - Unless you are told to evacuate, stay inside when there is bushfire smoke in the environment. Close all of the windows, doors and block all air vents. - Put your home and car air-conditioner on 'recycle' to minimise the risk of smoke entering your home or car. - Avoid physical activity outdoors. ## What Do I Do If I Am Exposed To Bushfire Smoke? - Stay low to the ground, and wear a face mask. If a face mask is not available, hold a think cloth over your nose and mouth to prevent breathing in a large amount of smoke. - Large fires may smother in an area for days after the fire has been put out. If you experience asthma symptoms in the days following a fire, follow your Asthma Action Plan and [First Aid for Asthma](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/resources/asthma-triggers-and-asthma-plans). - If you develop symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath, seek medical assistance immediately. ## Similar articles - [Debunking Common Myths Surrounding Asthma](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/debunking-common-myths-surrounding-asthma): Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition affecting millions worldwide, is often shrouded in myths and misconceptions. Despite how common it is, there is a distinct lack of common knowledge. This is leading to potential mismanagement and unnecessary anxiety for those living with asthma. - [Coping with Dust Allergies](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/coping-with-dust-allergies): For many Australians, our city and outdoor lifestyles come with a hidden challenge – dust allergies. Dust mites, pollen, and other airborne particles can trigger allergic reactions, affecting a significant portion of the population. - [Say Goodbye to Pollen Allergies](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/say-goodbye-to-pollen-allergies): If you suffer from pollen allergies, you know how miserable it can make you feel. Pollen allergies are caused by an overreaction of the body's immune system to the proteins found in the pollen of plants. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments to manage pollen allergies, including medications, immunotherapy, and first aid. ## Learn this hands-on Reading is a start — a nationally accredited course makes it stick. [Find a course and check live session availability](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/#find-course). --- **Australia Wide First Aid** · RTO 31961 - Phone: (07) 3437 7500 - Email: info@australiawidefirstaid.com.au - Hours: Mon – Fri 7am – 7pm (AEST)