MADISON, Wis. -- The DNR began issuing air quality advisories on Monday of this week.

That advisory has now turned into a watch, in effect through Thursday night.

Experts said the reason for the poor air quality this week has to do with some of the same weather factors that have caused the dense fog this week.

Those weather conditions trap pollutants near the ground, making it difficult for many people to breath outside during physical activity. For those who already have underlying respiratory problems, outdoor activity can be very dangerous during times with poor air quality, according to health experts.

"If the weather is good like these last couple of weeks, especially after a pretty cold winter, I'm going to be outside no matter what," said Amanda Hall.

But as asthma sufferers, like Hall, take in a breath of fresh air, they're noticing a difference.

"I do notice that the air does seem heavier, just a little bit thicker." said Hall. Meteorologists said this is because of light winds coming in from Chicago and Milwaukee brought pollutants along for the ride. And with little change in weather in the last couple of days, those pollutants aren't moving out.

Dr. Don Bukstein, with Dean Clinic, said this pollution comes at a very bad time.

"It's a double-whammy." Bukstein said. "Allergens are increasing. We still have got viral infections around and on top of that now we're getting air pollution. So it really is a double-whammy and we warn our patients about this."

Bukstein has been taking calls from patients having difficulties as a result of the poor air quality.

"Almost everybody will have some degree of irritation and effects," said Bukstein. "It's just for people with underlying respiratory diseases, it's magnified and that's really the problem."

Bukstein advises his patients to monitor their symptoms very carefully.

"Common sense really rules here in trying to avoid as best we can outdoor exposure when pollution is high, but taking your medications regularly, making sure you have your reliever inhaler at all times is very important," he said.

Hall said that's advice that she follows. She said she keeps on top of air quality advisories and uses her asthma medications correctly, so she can continue enjoying the outdoors.

"When you have weather that's above freezing this early in the spring you know there's not much that's going to keep me inside," said Hall.