Prolonged haze exposure harms healthy people too, doctor warns

KUALA LUMPUR - We commonly perceive haze as a concern for the vulnerable, including children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from asthma. However, prolonged exposure to polluted air can have severe consequences on healthy people as well. Dr. Rishya Manikam, a senior consultant at Universiti Malaya's Emergency Medicine department, emphasized that fine particles in haze particles can be inhaled with each breath, heightening the risk of coughs, colds, sore throats, and breathing difficulties.

Despite being in good health, this does not exempt one from the effects of haze. Dr. Rishya cautioned that the belief that healthy individuals are immune to harm is incorrect. Those with pre-existing conditions like asthma and chronic lung disease, children, pregnant women, and the elderly experience the impact of air pollution more rapidly.

Consequently, an increase in respiratory symptoms during the haze season should not be dismissed as normal, as they could also indicate other infections necessitating medical examination. Dr. Rishya urged that symptoms requiring immediate medical attention include shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, breathlessness during activities that typically do not induce fatigue, fever, and persistent coughing accompanied by phlegm.

He advised people to monitor the Air Pollutant Index (API) in their vicinity and limit outdoor activities when pollution levels escalate. If possible, avoid outdoor activities altogether when the API is high. The more physically active one is outside, the quicker their breathing rate, thereby increasing the particles entering their respiratory system.

He also reminded asthma patients to always carry their inhaler and urged anyone experiencing worsening symptoms to seek medical help promptly.