In a world where wildfire news often feels overwhelming, a leading thoracic surgeon is offering a refreshing dose of reassurance and practical wisdom that communities can actually use.

Dr. Brooks Udelsman, a thoracic surgeon with USC Surgery at Keck Medicine of USC, is helping people understand that while wildfire smoke certainly affects air quality, the health impact for most people is far less concerning than many fear. His message is clear and comforting: for the vast majority of healthy individuals, brief exposure to poor air quality will not cause lasting harm.

"These symptoms will be self-limited and improve on their own," Dr. Udelsman explains, referring to the temporary discomforts like coughs, headaches, and irritated eyes that many people experience during smoky periods. This is wonderful news for the millions who worry about long-term health consequences after breathing wildfire smoke for a few days.

The key distinction, Dr. Udelsman notes, is between acute and chronic exposure. While firefighters who face smoke exposure season after season show higher rates of some chronic lung conditions, this doesn't apply to the average person experiencing occasional wildfire events. The good news keeps getting better: outdoor air quality typically returns to baseline levels within just two to three days after a fire peaks.

Understanding this difference empowers people to respond appropriately rather than panic. For those with preexisting lung conditions like asthma, COPD, or emphysema, Dr. Udelsman recommends extra caution, but even here, his guidance is practical and achievable rather than alarmist.

What makes Dr. Udelsman's advice particularly valuable is how accessible and commonsense it is. He suggests simple post-fire cleaning to remove ash, especially keeping children away from ash piles. He recommends monitoring air quality through apps or reliable sources, which puts control directly in people's hands. On particularly smoky days, wearing an N95 mask when going outside offers excellent protection, especially for vulnerable individuals.

Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Udelsman encourages people to trust their own bodies and experiences. If you notice patterns in how you feel on bad air days, that self-knowledge is valuable information for making smart choices about outdoor activities.

The Bright Side

What shines through in Dr. Udelsman's guidance is a balanced, hopeful perspective that respects both caution and quality of life. "It's just finding the balance," he says warmly. "Yes, it's important to be careful, but you've got to live, too."

This reassuring message reminds us that our bodies are remarkably resilient, capable of recovering from short-term environmental challenges. The temporary nature of most wildfire smoke exposure means communities can emerge from these events without long-term health consequences.

Dr. Udelsman also emphasizes that healthcare providers are part of these affected communities too. "We live with this, too," he says. "We're part of the community, so we understand." This solidarity is comforting, reminding patients that their doctors are navigating the same challenges and are ready to help with personalized guidance.

Armed with knowledge, practical strategies, and professional reassurance, communities can face wildfire season with confidence rather than fear, knowing that for most people, the sky will clear and health will return to normal.