{
  "id": 15318203,
  "title": "When the haze turns breathing into a struggle",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/when-the-haze-turns-breathing-into-a-struggle-15318203",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T00:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/10/18/when-the-haze-turns-breathing-into-a-struggle"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "When haze episodes descend, breathing becomes a serious challenge, especially for children. Their developing lungs make them more susceptible to respiratory issues, and repeated exposure can exacerbate symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. A mother's ordeal A father's heart raced when his nine-year-old daughter, Puteri Hannah Amelia, began coughing and showed signs of an inflamed throat. Within days, her condition deteriorated to chest pain and breathing difficulties, forcing Syahir Azali to rush her to the hospital. Doctors diagnosed her with a mycoplasma infection and bronchitis, both of which they linked to exposure to the haze. The first of its kind for Hannah, the hospitalization left her missing school, and her parents were advised to always wear a face mask indoors. A runner's plight Not only adults but also runners face the dangers of haze. Syahirah Atikah, a 36-year-old runner, had planned to participate in a city marathon, checking that the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading remained under 100. However, as the morning progressed, the haze thickened, leading her to experience chest tightness and difficulty breathing after completing her run. A day later, she took sick leave from work due to a severe headache and cold. Medical insights Respiratory physicians explain that prolonged or repeated exposure to haze can inflame the respiratory tract, as fine particles like PM2.5 penetrate deep into the lungs. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their still-developing lungs, while older adults may have less capacity to clear inhaled particles. Those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, may experience flare-ups and worsened symptoms. The challenge of transboundary haze Haze can blanket vast areas, making it difficult to avoid exposure even far from the fire sources. Exercise intensifies this problem, as the harder people work, the more deeply they breathe in polluted air. Running near busy roads or even small changes in distance from traffic can increase exposure to vehicle pollution. Transboundary haze, covering large regions, poses a greater risk, as it can be difficult to escape. The health ministry has reported an increase in haze-related illnesses, such as upper respiratory tract infections and conjunctivitis. However, the more immediate question is how to judge when it's unsafe to venture outside. Dr. Syed Ajmal Syed Ali advises limiting outdoor exposure when air quality deteriorates, avoiding strenuous exercise, staying hydrated, and continuing prescribed medication for existing respiratory conditions. If symptoms worsen, seeking medical attention is crucial. Changing conditions pose an ever-present threat, as weather can bring temporary relief through rainfall, but shifting winds may carry smoke back across Malaysia, creating rapidly changing conditions. For families like Syahir's, the haze has become more than an inconvenience but a matter of life and safety.",
  "summary": "For one Kuala Lumpur father, the danger became frighteningly real when his nine-year-old daughter ended up in hospital for five days.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "When the haze turns breathing into a struggle",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/when-the-haze-turns-breathing-into-a-struggle",
        "published": "2026-10-18T00:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}