VIDEO: Air quality triggers health concerns

CORONA, Calif. (KABC) -- Temperatures are dropping and the fires in San Diego County are dying down, but Southern California faces a new health threat from the smoke and ash, pushing its way north.

Thick, toxic clouds of smoke from the San Diego fires have reached the Los Angeles area. The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory for the Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange and South San Gabriel counties.

Health officials are urging people impacted by the smoke to avoid vigorous activity and stay indoors. Doctors also warn the hot weather combined with pollution can quickly bring on dehydration, especially in the elderly and the young, so they recommend drinking plenty of water.

"Our concern is about the elderly, people that have chronic conditions especially affecting the lungs and the heart and small children," said Orange County Health Officer Dr. Eric Handler.

If you have asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis and you're not responding to your regular medications call your doctor or head into an urgent care. Also seek medical care if you have persistent headaches, dizziness, nausea, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath.