Why being young and healthy won’t protect you from the haze choking Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 — While haze is commonly associated with vulnerable groups like children, the elderly and asthma sufferers, prolonged exposure to polluted air can severely impact healthy individuals as well. According to Universiti Malaya Emergency Medicine senior consultant Prof Datuk Dr Rishya Manikam, fine particles in haze enter the respiratory tract with every breath, heightening the risk of coughs, colds, sore throats and breathing difficulties.

Dr Rishya emphasized that merely being healthy does not guarantee protection from the effects of haze. In fact, those with pre-existing health conditions, children, pregnant women and the elderly are particularly susceptible to air pollution. He urged that a surge in respiratory symptoms during the haze season should not be dismissed as normal, as other infections may also require medical attention.

Dr Rishya advised people to monitor the Air Pollutant Index (API) in their area and limit outdoor activities when pollution levels spike. He stressed that the more active one is outdoors, the faster they breathe, increasing the inhalation of particles into the respiratory system. Asthma patients should always carry their inhaler and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms worsen.