People in Multiple States Advised to Monitor Themselves for Coughs

Officials in Michigan and Maine warned residents to monitor themselves for respiratory symptoms, including coughs, as poor air quality hit both states on Wednesday.

Health advisories and air quality alerts blamed elevated fine particulate and ozone levels caused by wildfire smoke and other pollution sources for putting people in several counties in both states at increased risk of adverse health effects.

Coughing is the lungs’ only defense mechanism, said Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, a volunteer medical spokesperson with the American Lung Association (ALA).

“A cough is the body’s way of saying, ‘hey, you’re breathing in something we don’t really agree with,'” he told Newsweek.

Why It Matters

Air quality alerts mean increased risks for Americans, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, and individuals with preexisting heart or respiratory conditions. Fire-related air pollution can worsen conditions such as asthma and lead to more serious health events during periods of elevated pollutants.

With nearly half Americans already living in areas with failing grades for particle or ozone pollution, according to the ALA’s 2025 “State of the Air” report, the current alerts underscore persistent and growing public health challenges from air pollution across the United States.

What to Know

Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy issued an Air Quality Advisory for Wednesday, across at least 15 counties, including Emmet, Cheboygan, Leelanau, Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Manistee, and several in the Upper Peninsula. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) rose to levels considered ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ or higher, with some areas reaching the red AQI range, according to the EPA’s AirNow platform.

Officials recommended avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, especially for people with heart disease, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. Authorities instructed residents to monitor for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning of the nose, throat, and eyes. Residents were also advised to keep windows closed overnight and use high-efficiency filters (MERV-13 or higher) in home air systems.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Bureau of Air Quality issued an Air Quality Alert from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 11 p.m. Thursday for much of the state—including Hancock, York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo counties. The alert cited ozone levels predicted to reach the ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ range, with particle pollution levels also expected to be moderate statewide due to wildfire smoke.

Officials recommended limiting strenuous outdoor activity, warning that the health impacts could be compounded by ongoing heat and humidity. The DEP specifically urged people who may be especially sensitive—including children, the elderly, and those with asthma or heart disease—to consider reducing the intensity and duration of outdoor activities if symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, or throat irritation develop.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone, the primary pollutants cited in both states, can irritate the respiratory system and worsen chronic conditions. Wildfire smoke contains small particles able to penetrate deep into the lungs, increasing risks for bronchitis, asthma attacks, and potential cardiovascular impacts.

Short-term exposure to unhealthy air can cause noticeable symptoms even in healthy individuals, but the risks are substantially higher for those in at-risk groups. Monitoring for symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, and chest discomfort remains crucial for early intervention and prevention of severe outcomes.

Galiatsatos told Newsweek that coughing is a good thing in that it is the body’s way of expelling something potentially dangerous, but there are instances where someone should seek medical attention.

“Your cough itself doesn’t need emergent medical attention,” he said. “However, if you’re also experiencing breathlessness, talk to your doctor or seek more urgent care.”

Other reasons to see a doctor include a cough lasting more than seven days.

What People Are Saying

Galiatsatos told Newsweek: “If the Air Quality Index is high, over 100 for the general population, people should really take that into account in regards to their safety. People with preexisting conditions such as asthma or COPD, anything greater than 50 should really be taken into consideration.”

The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Gaylord, Michigan, said in an air quality alert: “Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning, and use of residential wood burning devices.”

What Happens Next

Air quality advisories in Michigan and Maine are scheduled to remain in effect through the end of Wednesday and Thursday depending on local conditions. Officials in both states have advised residents to monitor air quality forecasts and follow health recommendations as pollution levels may fluctuate due to weather and wildfire trends.

Galiatsatos urged people to regularly pay attention to their local air quality. If air quality is poor, people might choose to stay indoors, limit their time outside, or keep preventive medications on hand, such as an inhaler.