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

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 — While haze is typically associated with the elderly, asthmatics and those with respiratory issues, recent research reveals that even healthy individuals can suffer significant consequences from prolonged exposure. Senior consultant at Universiti Malaya's Emergency Medicine department, Dr Rishya Manikam, warned that fine particles from haze infiltrate the respiratory system with each breath, raising the likelihood of coughs, colds, throat irritations and breathing complications.

Despite the misconception that healthy people are unharmed by haze, Dr Rishya emphasized that this is a misconception. He highlighted that those with pre-existing conditions, children, pregnant women and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. Dr Rishya urged that a spike in respiratory discomfort during haze should not be dismissed as normal, as other infections may also be at play.

He cautioned that medical attention is urgently required for symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest tightness, breathlessness despite normal activity levels, fever and coughing up mucus. To minimize exposure, Dr Rishya recommended monitoring the Air Pollutant Index (API) and avoiding outdoor activities when pollution reaches unsafe levels.

Those with asthma should always carry their inhaler and seek medical help as soon as symptoms worsen.