FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- With smoke from the Garnet Fire settling into the valley floor, local allergy doctors say they are already seeing an uptick in patients.

"I've been seeing more patients, complaining from difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, itchy eyes, runny nose, throat issues and it's because of the smoke in the air," said Dr. Buddiga, a local allergist.

Patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma are at higher risk, doctors warn.

Staying indoors and wearing an N95 mask outdoors can help reduce exposure to particulate matter, which can aggravate medical conditions.

Doctors also stress the importance of knowing when to seek medical help.

"If they have wheezing and they have throat issues and they are having tightness in the chest they should immediately seek ca

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