Wildfires

Wrinkles and sleep troubles are among the odd symptoms linked to poor air quality

The wildfire smoke that has blanketed much of the Northeast can cause a number of unexpected symptoms

Lev Radin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Itchy eyes, a scratchy throat and a cough probably come as no surprise when the air is thick with wildfire smoke. But poor air quality can contribute to less expected symptoms, too.

It is not uncommon for people to also experience chest pain, headaches and dizziness, according to Dr. Gregory Wu, a critical care medicine physician at Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York. 

“We do encourage folks, if they’re having chest pain or chest tightness, that they should be seeking care,” Wu said. “And similarly, if folks are having headaches or dizziness, that’s another good reason to seek care, or at least get indoors.”

Persistent headaches should prompt medical attention, he added, especially if someone is not normally prone to headaches or the headache feels worse than usual.

Read the full story at NBCNews.com here.

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