Grand Canyon Times

• As of last year, reports have shown that more than one-third of Americans live in areas with poor air quality.
• With the Canadian wildfires affecting the U.S. throughout the summer, it's likely that your breathing has been affected.
• If you suffer from asthma or other sinus issues, seeking treatment from a sinus specialist can help to reduce issues that could be triggered by bad air quality.

Millions of Americans are dealing with health risks connected to declining air quality in the U.S., but a Scottsdale doctor said that patients with sinus issues could find relief from their breathing problems with a minimally invasive treatment. 

The American Lung Association's "State of the Air" 2023 report pointed out that 36% of Americans live in areas with unhealthy levels of ozone pollution. That number includes about 119.6 million people. Deadly particulate matter pollution -- which consists of dust, ash, soot and metals -- is another issue of concern. More than 63.7 million people live in affected counties, which is the highest number ever reported.

"It's very sad, because patients are absolutely miserable, and they absolutely do not need to live like that," Dr. Brian Lee, a board-certified ENT otolaryngologist at Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center, told Grand Canyon Times. "Dealing with those issues is a lot easier these days, and the amount of relief and improvement to the quality of life is astronomical for these patients."

It's no secret that wildfires have impacted multiple countries around the world lately, and a 2022 report by the UN Environment Programme, as cited by CNN, stated that the number of extreme wildfire events could increase by up to 14% by 2030. It's expected to increase up to 30% by 2050.

Most recently, Canada has had the worst wildfire season on record due to rising temperatures and dry conditions, according to National Public Radio. This has also affected many areas of the U.S., causing air quality to decline. This unfortunate wildfire season isn't expected to end anytime soon, as it normally lasts until October.

Although bad air quality conditions aren't good for anyone, they could be especially troublesome for people who struggle with asthma and other sinus issues, and make these problems worse through nasal inflammation. According to the American Sinus Institute, nasal inflammation, or sinusitis, is described as swelling of the tissue that lines the sinuses. This leads to blocked nasal air passageways and causes mucus to increase, potentially causing an infection.

If you're prone to any of these issues, seeking treatment from a sinus specialist can help. To learn more about the symptoms of sinusitis or allergies, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.