Asthma can impact more than just health, following recent strong winds

As winds go up, so do asthma complications.

The asthma rate in Coachella Valley is higher than the national average, with disparities across the region.

According to CalMatters, about 12% of the valley population has been diagnosed with asthma, compared to the national average of 7%. That's about 41K adults, about 11K children.

Asthma can have a range of negative consequences, including depression, unemployment and limited ability to work, which can impact those who work outside.

According to Dr. Afif El-Hasan, Kaiser Permanente Orange County:

“It can be extremely harmful for them to be exposed to that kind of environment. The wind actually picks up the dust and in that dust is particles, mold and other pollutants which can affect both the upper airway and get into the lungs and cuz a problem and that’s when you can get the asthma flares... There are a lot of people who spend a lot of time in the outdoors because that’s part of their work. I would recommend wearing an N95 mask, preferably one which has a valve on it so exhaling is a little bit easier just so they can filter out the air.”

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