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Thoughts on campfires
Hello, I have been enjoying making fires on these autumn days while I do my yard work. So far they have not bothered my lungs. Today, for about 10 minutes after coming indoors, my throat was making a crackling sound when I breathed. Then about an hour later I coughed up a very tiny amount of blood. The crackling sound in my throat has stopped but clearly the fire irritated my lungs. I will be so disappointed if fires are yet another thing I have to give up. Is sitting around an outdoor fire a big "no no" for bronchiectasis? Or was this just a fluke and maybe the air was stagnant and I was breathing in smoke? Do you you all still enjoy campfires? Thank you!
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Hmm, I think campfires can be an issue for many people with sensitive lungs. I avoid them to protect my lungs, though we occasionally have a very small fire, in a chimnea that directs the smoke upwards, and I stay back. Here are the considerations:
- The particles in the smoke itself can be the irritant
- Something you are burning might be releasing allergens
- Mold spores may be released in the smoke
- Anything that irritates already damaged lungs can cause further damage
My brother is a long time Scout leader with many allergies and very sensitive lungs. Here's how he handles campfires - he lets someone else gather the wood, light and manage the fire. He wears his N95 mask, and stays well back from the smoke. On bad days, he excuses himself entirely. My daughter uses a gas campfire due to severe asthma.
One further consideration - you may be accidentally causing discomfort to others with your fire - I have 2 neighbors who sometimes host firepit parties, and if I am having a bad spell, they actually can cause me to have to go indoors & close all my windows.
So sadly, at least for me, the old days of sitting around the fire, coming in smelling of wood smoke, are gone to protect the lung function I still have.
Sue
Hi Beatrixflower..When I’m at the cottage, snd lighting a fire outside, I use an N95 mask..at night I will sit farther away from fire, and have had no issues..I guess you have to find what works for you and what doesn’t 💕