{
  "id": 11304025,
  "title": "Doctors fear haze's long-term effects [WATCH]",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/doctors-fear-hazes-long-term-effects-watch",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-01T23:01:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1545889/doctors-fear-hazes-long-term-effects-watch"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "General practitioners (GPs) are observing an uptick in patients presenting with respiratory issues, although private hospitals assert they are managing the haze situation for now. With the haze anticipated to persist for an additional two weeks, medical professionals are apprehensive about the ramifications of prolonged exposure to polluted air, especially for those who are more susceptible. Common symptoms encompass coughing, throat irritation, nasal blockage or runny nose, eye irritation, wheezing, and asthma exacerbations.\n\nFederation of Private Medical Practitioners Associations president Dr G. Shanmuganathan reported that GPs are encountering more patients exhibiting signs linked to suboptimal air quality. If the poor air quality endures for a further month, GP clinics should brace for a surge in consultations pertaining to cough, throat and eye irritation, wheezing, asthma exacerbations, and deterioration of pre-existing conditions. The apprehension, he emphasized, extends beyond a solitary day of exposure; it pertains to repeated exposure over several weeks, particularly among vulnerable individuals.\n\nDr Shanmuganathan cautioned against conflating these symptoms with upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). He clarified that the haze does not induce viral URTI, yet symptoms may be similar, and pollution may exacerbate pre-existing respiratory conditions. In light of the haze episode potentially lasting until this month, it would be beneficial for the Health Ministry to monitor respiratory attendances within both public and private primary care settings. This would provide an objective assessment of the health burden resulting from prolonged haze exposure, rather than depending on subjective reports from individual clinics.\n\nMeanwhile, Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh stated that private hospitals have not witnessed a substantial rise in admissions attributable to the haze. He affirmed that private hospitals were adept at handling respiratory and haze-related cases and possessed the capacity to respond should patient numbers escalate. He noted that there was no strain on bed occupancy or respiratory wards at the moment. Dr Kuljit highlighted that this assessment was corroborated by the robust collaboration between private hospitals, public hospitals, and the Health Ministry, facilitating appropriate referrals and coordinated care as needed.\n\nDr Kuljit emphasized that while the haze does not directly induce influenza, exposure to poor air quality can exacerbate existing respiratory infections, including those associated with influenza and bronchitis. The association continues to liaise closely with the ministry to guarantee patients receive suitable care and that the healthcare system remains primed to address any escalating respiratory and haze-related cases.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: General practitioners (GPs) are seeing more patients with respiratory complaints, but private hospitals say they are coping with the haze for now.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}