Air pollution + Flare

The forest fires are raging here in my part of the world and the air quality has dropped to standards below that of China. Even healthy people are experiencing shortness of breath, exhaustion, and other health issues.

My UC is flaring and my only explanation is this smog. I found a couple of research studies online that began investigations into the connection between UC and air pollution but it's a new area of study.

I'm curious if anyone here has ever noticed a connection? People in bigger cities that deal with smog might know what I'm talking about.

Earlier this summer I visited a small island that had a very clean lifestyle and I found that my UC got a lot better. I was eating clean food but also foods that I normally can't eat. As soon as I came back to the city and tried implementing that diet, it didn't work. There was something about not being in the city that made me better -- I am still unsure what it is.

Air quality may be a variable. I already have multiple chemical sensitivities and I get migraines if I'm exposed to certain aerosols and fragrances. I've read that smoke from fires combines with other chemical pollutants in the air to form new complexes that are harder on the body.

Just curious if anyone has had their IBD act up from air quality and if they were able to do anything about it?

The only thing I can think of is to buy a good air purifier so that at least my home air is OK. They are advising people to stay indoors.

Around here they're saying maybe it will clear out on Sunday, but I'm not holding my breath. Wait a minute, that's exactly what I am doing!

The being better on the island could have something to do with less stress if that was vacation. Peoples bowel habits always change regardless if you're not in your home routine. My SO traveled to Italy and couldn't go for 5 days once even though she's fairly regular else. The second she left Italy and went to France, she could go again......weird stuff sometimes.