Wood burning smoke is a source of indoor and outdoor pollution that can worsen allergic conditions and asthma. Wood burning smoke sources include wood stoves, fireplaces, forest fires and agricultural fires.

There are more than 11 million wood burning units in American homes, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Wood smoke produces gases and particles in the air that can irritate the respiratory tract and trigger allergic cascades and asthma attacks. This can result in a number of symptoms, including coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Reducing exposure to smoke from wood stoves, fireplaces, forest fires and agricultural fires is important for people with allergies and asthma. This may mean eliminating indoor wood smoke sources and avoiding exposure to seasonal fires outdoors. Should symptoms occur they may be treated by physician prescribed allergy and asthma medications.