‘Avoid exposure to the haze’ — Malaysian man urges others to stay indoors after coughing up blood from outdoor exercise
Summary A Malaysian man developed a persistent cough after exercising outdoors in hazy conditions and later noticed blood in his phlegm. The man was also awaiting his chest X-ray results and phlegm test findings to determine whether he had a lung infection. Malaysia’s Health Ministry advised people to avoid outdoor activities during unhealthy air conditions and wear N95 masks when going outside.…
A Malaysian man has cautioned others to take the haze seriously after experiencing severe coughing and blood in his phlegm following outdoor exercise in hazy conditions. The individual was also awaiting results from a chest X-ray and phlegm test to determine if his symptoms were caused by a lung infection. Malaysia's Health Ministry has advised the public to avoid outdoor activities when air quality exceeds a certain level and to wear N95 masks when venturing outside.
The man believes his symptoms may be linked to exercising in hazy conditions. He is currently awaiting the outcomes of his chest X-ray and phlegm test to confirm a potential lung infection. While the exact cause of his symptoms has not yet been confirmed, his experience highlights the importance of taking unusual warning signs seriously.
During strenuous outdoor activities, people breathe faster and deeper, increasing their exposure to airborne particles. Fine particles like PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to inflammation, persistent coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Professor Tolullah Oni, a clinical professor at the University of Cambridge, emphasized that outdoor exercise during severe haze is not advisable due to the heightened risks associated with air pollution.
Health risks are already evident in official data. Upper respiratory tract infections have risen from 3,509 cases in one week to 3,875 in the subsequent week, while conjunctivitis cases increased from 102 to 129 across 78 health facilities. However, asthma cases have decreased from 535 to 462. It is advisable to prioritize health over fitness goals and exercise indoors until air quality improves.
Checking the latest local Air Pollutant Index (API) reading through Malaysia’s Department of Environment and adjusting outdoor workouts accordingly is crucial, especially in areas affected by transboundary haze. Residents in Singapore, facing similar risks, should also monitor local air quality and shift to indoor exercise when pollution levels rise.
Written by urgent.news from The Independent Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
