There's nothing more breath-taking than a spectacular fireworks display - literally. When it comes to the smoke from fireworks, seniors have to exercise caution.

"Well, clearly, even if you're healthy as you age, your lung function decreases in a natural way. So seniors are at a higher risk when it comes to exposure to things like fireworks or even vog, cigarette smoke, anything like that," said Dr. Jeffrey Kam, an allergist.

Aerial fireworks displays do not pose the same kinds of problems as those set off in neighborhoods. Dr. Kam has some words of advice.

"Well, we want to avoid the fireworks smoke if possible, if people are going to be burning in your neighborhood - even these ones that you don't need a permit for can actually produce a tremendous amount of smoke and irritants. You want to stay indoors, if you have air conditioning, turn it on, close the windows."

Dr. Kam also recommends keeping a respirator mask handy - not a surgical mask, but one like this that will keep particulates OUT. Seniors should also make certain their prescriptions are handy.

"Make sure you have your medications. Very important. If you do have underlying lung conditions like emphyzema or asthma or even nasal allergies, you're going to be at a higher risk for developing problems with breathing."

Speaking of medications, some seniors may have a pre-existing respiratory problem for which they have used an inhaler in the past. But here is another word of caution.

"What's happening is that a lot of people have very mild asthma and they've never used their inhalers for years and years but because of the vog, it's actually making them more sensitive to things like the fireworks smoke. So make sure it's not expired and make sure you know how to use it," said Dr. Kam.

Dr. Kam also recommends that seniors - or anyone - drink plenty of water to stay hydrated when the smoke lingers in the neighborhood.