Wildfire Smoke Chokes Northern Indiana, Spiking Asthma Cases

Northern Indiana residents are gasping for clean air as wildfire smoke from Canada blankets the region, driving air quality into the unhealthy category and fueling a sharp rise in asthma cases. The American Lung Association issued alerts on May 30, 2025, noting impacts across the Midwest, including Indianapolis and surrounding areas, where fine particulate matter—measuring 2.5 to 10 microns—penetrates deep into lungs, causing inflammation, excess mucus and flare-ups. Local reports from nwitimes.com first highlighted the spike in northern Indiana, with pediatric asthma programs logging increased calls from children suffering sore throats, coughing and chest congestion.