Wildfire Smoke and Kids with Asthma in the Inland Empire: How to Protect Your Child

At what air quality level should a child with asthma stay indoors?

California guidance says children with asthma should limit outdoor activity once the Air Quality Index reaches Moderate, 51 to 100. At AQI above 100 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups), schools move recess and lunch indoors and excuse students with asthma from outdoor PE. Above 150, vigorous outdoor activity should be capped at 15 minutes or moved inside.

The AQI is the number to watch, not the distance to the fire. Use AirNow or a local air district site to check current and forecast conditions each morning, because smoke levels can shift within hours.

If your child's symptoms start at Moderate AQI, treat that as your family's signal to shift plans earlier than the school threshold.

How do you keep indoor air cleaner during a wildfire smoke event?

Keep windows and doors closed and run central air conditioning with a clean, appropriate filter. A portable HEPA air cleaner or a designated cleaner-air room helps. Avoid adding indoor pollution: no smoking or candles, skip aerosol sprays, frying or broiling, and vacuum less often during the smoke event.

Smoke can stay in the air for several days after a wildfire is out, so keeping indoor air clean matters beyond the fire itself.

• Close windows and doors and set central HVAC to recirculate if that option exists.
• Run a portable air cleaner in the room where your child sleeps or spends the most time.
• Skip candles, incense, aerosol sprays, and fireplace use while smoke is present.
• Avoid frying or broiling, which add fine particles indoors.
• Vacuum less often, or use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

If your child's asthma is hard to control, an updated written asthma action plan before fire season helps. A pediatric visit is a good time to review medications and inhaler technique; families in Rancho Cucamonga can call (909) 581-0008 to schedule.

Should a child with asthma wear a mask in wildfire smoke?

Children age 2 and older may wear a properly fitted N95 or similar respirator if outdoor exposure cannot be avoided. Masks must cover the nose and fit under the chin without blocking vision. NIOSH-approved respirators generally do not come in sizes for very young children, and an ill-fitting mask gives less protection.

Staying indoors is the first choice for kids with asthma during smoke events. A mask is a backup when the child must be outside, and fit is the deciding factor.

• Under age 2: a respirator is not an option; keep the child indoors.
• Age 2 and older: try a child-sized respirator and check the seal along the nose and cheeks.
• Fit check: the mask should cover nose and mouth, sit under the chin, and not block vision.
• Cloth and surgical masks: they do not seal well enough to filter fine smoke particles.

If your child has trouble breathing while wearing a mask, take it off and move indoors. When breathing trouble, shortness of breath, or a cough that will not stop occurs, contact the pediatrician; seek urgent help for severe or worsening symptoms.

What warning signs mean it's time to call the pediatrician or seek emergency care?

Call the pediatrician if your child has breathing trouble, shortness of breath, a cough that will not stop, or symptoms that do not improve. Seek emergency care for severe or worsening breathing, such as struggling to breathe, blue lips, or no relief from quick-relief medicine.

Wildfire smoke can irritate airways and trigger asthma symptoms. Watch for these signs and act promptly:

• Call the pediatrician if your child has breathing trouble, shortness of breath, a cough that will not stop, or symptoms that do not improve.
• Seek emergency care for severe or worsening breathing, such as struggling to breathe, blue lips or face, or if quick-relief medicine does not help.
• Follow the asthma action plan for medication adjustments and when to seek help.

When in doubt, call the office at (909) 581-0008 for guidance. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911.

How can families prepare for wildfire season before smoke arrives?

Before fire season, review your child's asthma action plan with the pediatrician, check inhaler technique, ensure quick-relief medicine is available and not expired, and consider a portable air cleaner. Have a plan for school and activities based on AQI levels.

Preparation can reduce stress and keep asthma controlled when smoke appears. Key steps include:

• Update the asthma action plan with your pediatrician, including what to do at different AQI levels.
• Check inhaler technique and make sure quick-relief medicine is on hand and not expired.
• Consider a portable air cleaner or identify a cleaner-air room.
• Know your school's policy for recess and PE during poor air quality.
• Pack a go-bag with medications and a copy of the action plan in case of evacuation.

Families in Rancho Cucamonga can schedule a visit to review asthma control by calling (909) 581-0008.