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Yes, headaches often show up early when you breathe smoky air. The CDC notes them as an early warning sign of smoke exposure, and research has found that ER visits for headaches increases on days when there is wildfire smoke.
All of these changes can lead to migraines or tight “band” headaches, especially if you already get headaches.
If any of these things happen, you will feel the pain right away, especially if you already get headaches often.
People who already have a history are more likely to develop headaches or migraines during wildfire. Children, elderly, and pregnant women, and patients with respiratory conditions and other chronic diseases like diabetes and heart diseases are at high risk too.
Wildfire smoke is not only a short-term problem. Exposure for days lets tiny dust and gases stay in your lungs and bloodstream, increasing your risk of asthma attacks, COPD, heart disease, and even early death. One 2025 study found that hospital visits for heart and lung problems stayed high for three months after major fires.
In other countries, doctors tracked the town and saw higher rates of heart disease for 2½ years and breathing problems for five years.
Your home’s HVAC system can also help reduce smoke exposure. Thin filters aren’t good against smoke and fine particles. Invest in a MERV 13 (or higher) filter. They can capture about 95% of particles per pass.
Buy the correct filter size and model to ensure efficiency. Call for professional help if needed.
Seek medical care if a smoke-related headache:
Don’t ignore these signs. You could possibly be experiencing a more serious condition, such as carbon-monoxide exposure.
Wildfire smoke often happens fast, but you can prepare well to limit its harm.
These measures do more than ease headaches. They keep you safer whenever smoke is in the air.
Yes. Breathing in wildfire smoke can cause headaches, especially in people sensitive to air pollutants. Studies and health agencies like the CDC confirm the connection between smoke exposure and increased visits for headache-related symptoms.
Smoke carries tiny particles and gases that irritate the nose, sinuses, and lungs. These can trigger inflammation or affect nerves linked to headache pain—particularly in people prone to migraines or sinus issues.
Common symptoms include coughing, sore throat, sinus irritation, burning eyes, fatigue, and headache. In more serious cases, you might also feel dizzy, short of breath, or nauseated.
Get indoors, close doors and windows, and turn on a HEPA air purifier or AC set to recirculate. Drink water and rest. If you use medication for headaches or migraines, take it as directed. If the pain doesn’t improve, contact a healthcare provider.
If the Air Quality Index (AQI) goes above 100, sensitive groups should limit outdoor activity. Once it passes 150, it’s considered unhealthy for everyone.
Look for a purifier with a true HEPA filter and a clean air delivery rate (CADR) that suits your room size. It should be able to exchange the air at least four times per hour.
Yes. A snug-fitting N95 or KN95 mask can filter out most of the fine particles in smoke. Cloth and surgical masks don’t provide the same level of protection.
It can. Using an AC system to recirculate with a MERV 13 or higher filter helps reduce the number of harmful particles inside your home. Studies show this setup significantly lowers exposure compared to homes without AC.
Yes. Children breathe more air per pound of body weight, so they’re more affected by poor air. Keep them inside, run a purifier in their room, and make sure they stay hydrated.
It’s possible. Repeated exposure to smoke may increase inflammation and affect blood vessels over time, which could lead to more frequent headaches in people already prone to them.
