Air quality warnings have spiked in Kansas City. Here's what it means for our health

The Mid-America Regional Council has issued a staggering nine ozone alerts for poor air quality in the past month. Experts say weather is a factor but they also say there are things people can do to stay healthy — and cut down on ozone in the area.
At KC CARE Health Centers, more people of all ages have been coming in lately with symptoms associated with seasonal allergies — uncharacteristic for this time of year — and worsening symptoms of asthma.

Sarah Dashwood, a physician with the center, said this concerning uptick has occurred within the last couple of weeks. The increase in patients coincides with a spike in air quality alerts issued by The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) in the past month.

“Many patients are reporting heightened levels of congestion, itchy or watery eyes, sore throat, difficulty breathing and increased fatigue — particularly when spending extended periods of time outdoors or with physical exertion,” Dashwood said.