Keeping your lungs safe during BBQ season

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. (WPVI) -- Summer means time for cookouts, campfires, and firepits. However, those smoky spots may not be kind to our breathing, especially for anyone with lung conditions.

Outdoor grills are busy year-round, with 70% of all households owning one.

Dr. Samantha Pettigrew of the Temple Lung Center says the flavor can't be beat, but grills themselves can trigger breathing problems, even for people without those issues.

"Smoke from the grill contains very fine particles, similar to occasionally when we experience the wildfire smoke coming down from Canada," Dr. Pettigrew says.

Issues can arise when you add in summer heat, humidity, and other air pollution.

"It just really becomes a perfect storm for breathing issues," the doctor says.

Stephanie Kelly loves summer life in the outdoors, from her Jeep to the backyard.

"We have a fire pit and a barbecue," she says.

She became more mindful of that air after learning she had asthma.

"I noticed just lying flat in bed, and why am I wheezing?" she recalls.

Dr. Pettigrew says simple strategies can ease the risk of an episode. Start with the grill.

"Charcoal grills and wood-burning grills produce much more smoke and particles," she says.

However, gas grills burn cleaner. Stay upwind from the grill, and at least six to 10 feet away.

Dr. Pettigrew also advises, "Separate the grill area entirely from where people are eating and socializing."

And check the overall air quality - The EPA has the AirNow app. By entering your zip code, you can see the report for today or the future.

You can also scroll down on your smartphone's weather app to see the air quality in your area.

With Dr. Pettigrew's strategies and a daily inhaler, Stephanie's gone from five or six episodes a year down to one.

"Use your daily inhalers. Don't try to say, Oh, I'm OK, I don't need it," she says of the reluctance some have in using their inhalers.

Dr. Pettigrew echoes that, saying she's seen people arrive at the ER with an asthma attack, with their inhaler still tucked neatly in their pocket.

"It's a small price to pay to be able to breathe and feel good about being outdoors," Stephanie adds.

The doctor also recommends staying upwind of citronella candles and other strong scents.

She tells patients: If you can smell it, your lungs are seeing it.