In early January, Los Angeles and surrounding areas in California experienced a severe wildfire, causing air quality levels to drop to “extremely unhealthy.” Although the wildfire has passed, its impact continues to linger. Several news reports have highlighted cases of residents experiencing respiratory discomfort, coughing, throat irritation, and even bronchitis due to exposure to wildfire smoke.
In such an environment, and in future similar situations, how can we reduce the harmful effects of wildfire smoke on our bodies? How can we alleviate discomfort caused by air pollution? Are there dietary remedies that can help strengthen immunity and soothe the respiratory tract? Today, Broth integrates scientific research with daily life advice to explore how to effectively protect respiratory health.
I. The Components and Dangers of Wildfire Smoke
When wildfires burn vegetation, buildings, and soil, they release a large amount of particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and toxic gases, including:
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PM2.5 Fine Particulate Matter: These particles, smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter, can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing airway inflammation and even entering the bloodstream, leading to cardiovascular problems. According to research from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), inhaling a single breath of wildfire smoke containing PM2.5 can be equivalent to inhaling the smoke of 20-30 cigarettes, depending on the concentration and exposure duration.
- Harmful Gases: These include carbon monoxide (which affects oxygen transport in the blood), sulfur dioxide (which irritates the airways), and nitrogen oxides (which exacerbate respiratory inflammation). More information on air pollution can be found in the World Health Organization (WHO) report.
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Toxic Chemicals: Such as dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which, with prolonged exposure, may increase the risk of chronic diseases. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides detailed explanations on this topic.
II. The Impact of Wildfire Smoke on Respiratory Health
Wildfire smoke has significant effects on respiratory health, particularly for the following groups:
1. Short-term Effects
- Eye irritation and tearing
- Nasal congestion, runny nose, and throat irritation
- Coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath
2. Long-term Effects
- Recurrent bronchitis: Persistent inflammation narrows the airways, leading to frequent coughing and phlegm.
- Exacerbation of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms.
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Long-term inhalation of high concentrations of smoke may impair lung development in children.
3. High-Risk Groups
- Individuals with respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, bronchitis, emphysema).
- People with heart disease (at increased risk for chest pain, arrhythmias, and stroke).
- Elderly individuals and pregnant women (risk of low birth weight in newborns).
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Children, especially those under the age of five (potential long-term impact on lung function).
For more information on the health effects of wildfire smoke, refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
III. How to Minimize the Damage of Wildfire Smoke to the Respiratory System
1. Indoor Protection
- Improve Indoor Air Quality: Even after a wildfire has ended, fine particles may linger in the air for a long time. It is recommended to use a high-efficiency air purifier (HEPA filter) and open windows occasionally to refresh indoor air. More information is available in the EPA’s air purifier guidelines.
- Clean Dust and Residual Pollutants: Wipe furniture and floors with a damp cloth to prevent airborne particles from being stirred up.
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Avoid Secondary Pollution: Reduce indoor smoking, incense burning, and candle use to minimize additional air pollution.
2. Outdoor Protection
- Wear Protective Masks: If you can still smell smoke or if the air quality is poor, wear an N95/P2-rated mask when going outdoors. The CDC’s guide on mask selection provides detailed recommendations.
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Limit Outdoor Activities: If air quality has not fully recovered, reduce strenuous activities to avoid inhaling residual pollutants. You can check real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) levels at AirNow.
3. Healthy Diet to Boost Immunity
Diet plays a crucial role in soothing the respiratory tract and enhancing immunity. Here are two recommended dietary remedies:
>>> Traditional Chinese Pear Soup Recipe
Benefits: Moistens the lungs, relieves cough, and soothes throat irritation.
Ingredients:
- 1 Chinese pear
- 1 white fungus (snow fungus)
- 3-4 preserved plums
- 1 tablespoon goji berries
- 6 red dates
- 1 small piece of dried tangerine peel
- Rock sugar (to taste)
Preparation:
- Soak white fungus in warm water for 2 hours until soft. Remove the root and tear it into small pieces.
- Prepare the pear: Wash, peel, and cut it into small chunks, removing the core.
- Assemble ingredients: Place the white fungus, pear chunks, preserved plums, goji berries, red dates, dried tangerine peel, and rock sugar into a small stew pot.
- Add water and cook: Pour in purified water just enough to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for 40 minutes.
- Stir before serving: Stir well before serving to ensure all ingredients blend into a thick and nourishing soup.
>>> American Ginseng Chicken Essence Tonic Soup Recipe
Benefits: Boosts immunity, replenishes energy, and reduces fatigue.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack of Broth American Ginseng Chicken Essence
- 10g goji berries
- 5 red dates
- 5g astragalus root
- 10g dried longan
- 500ml purified water
Preparation:
- Wash ingredients: Rinse goji berries, red dates, astragalus root, and dried longan.
- Stew medicinal ingredients: Add them to a pot with 500ml of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add Chicken Essence: Pour in Broth American Ginseng Chicken Essence, stir well, and simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the soup is ready, drink it warm. It has a rich and nourishing taste, offering a boost of energy and wellness.
*Why Choose American Ginseng Chicken Essence?
Broth American Ginseng Chicken Essence is packed with small-molecule proteins and concentrated ginseng extract, making it easily absorbable. It effectively boosts immunity, helps the body repair damaged respiratory cells, and enhances resistance to external pollutants. This makes it an excellent supplement, particularly in environments with poor air quality or for individuals experiencing fatigue.
IV. Seek Medical Attention If Severe Respiratory Symptoms Occur!
Although the wildfires in early January posed significant challenges for Los Angeles’ air quality and residents’ health, the storm will eventually pass, and the blue sky will return. Every disaster is a test of our resilience and health awareness, and these experiences remind us to cherish clean air and a stable life.
We hope that everyone takes good care of themselves and their families, stays mindful of respiratory health, and extends extra care to those around them. Whether you’re experiencing temporary discomfort or long-term concerns about air quality, scientific protection methods and dietary adjustments can help the body recover and build resilience against environmental changes. May everyone stay away from pollution, breathe freely, and welcome a healthy and peaceful new year!
Reference：
AirNow. (n.d.). Air quality index (AQI). Retrieved October 2025, from https://www.airnow.gov/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Wildfires and your health: Risk factors. Retrieved October 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/risk-factors/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Types of masks and respirators. Retrieved October 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html
Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Air cleaners and air filters in the home. Retrieved October 2025, from https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/air-cleaners-and-air-filters-home
Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Particulate matter (PM) basics. Retrieved October 2025, from https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/particulate-matter-pm-basics
National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Retrieved October 2025, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK598180/
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Health impacts of air pollution: Types of pollutants. Retrieved October 2025, from https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/air-quality-and-health/health-impacts/types-of-pollutants
Yahoo News. (2025, January). How the California wildfires can impact the health of people hundreds of miles from Los Angeles. Retrieved October 2025, from https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/how-the-california-wildfires-can-impact-the-health-of-people-hundreds-of-miles-from-los-angeles-181111170.html
Wikipedia. (2025, January). January 2025 Southern California wildfires. Retrieved October 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/January_2025_Southern_California_wildfires
好湯慢慢. (n.d.). 美國花旗參滴雞精 (30 入裝). Retrieved October 2025, from https://welovebroth.com/zh/collections/broth-chicken-essence/products/american-ginseng-chicken-essence-30-packs
好湯慢慢. (n.d.). 花旗參的功效與健康益處. Retrieved October 2025, from https://welovebroth.com/zh/blogs/weloveblog/002-american-ginseng-benefits?_pos=6&_sid=8dab26655&_ss=r