Haze is often viewed as a health threat mainly to children, older people and those with conditions such as asthma, but prolonged exposure to polluted air can also affect otherwise healthy individuals.
Universiti Malaya Emergency Medicine senior consultant Prof Datuk Dr Rishya Manikam said fine particles carried in haze could enter the respiratory system with every breath, potentially triggering symptoms such as coughing, sore throats, colds and breathing difficulties.
“Just because we are healthy does not mean the haze will not affect us. If that is the perception, it is wrong,” he said during Bernama TV’s Fokus 15 programme titled “When Every Breath Becomes A Risk” today.
Dr Rishya explained that people with existing health problems, particularly asthma and chronic lung diseases, could experience the effects of air pollution sooner. Children, pregnant women and senior citizens are also considered more vulnerable to deteriorating air quality.
He cautioned against treating respiratory symptoms during haze episodes as something ordinary, as similar symptoms could also be linked to infections or other conditions that require medical assessment.
Among the warning signs that warrant prompt medical attention are difficulty breathing, chest pain or tightness, becoming breathless during activities that would normally be manageable, fever and a persistent cough accompanied by phlegm.
Dr Rishya advised the public to regularly check the Air Pollutant Index (API) in their respective areas and limit time spent outdoors whenever pollution levels begin to rise.
“If possible, avoid outdoor activities altogether when the API is high. The more active you are outside, the faster you breathe, and the more particles enter your respiratory tract,” he said.
He also reminded asthma sufferers to keep their inhalers with them at all times, particularly during periods of poor air quality.
Anyone experiencing worsening or unusual respiratory symptoms should seek medical attention promptly rather than assuming they are simply experiencing the effects of haze.
The warning comes as health experts continue to stress that protecting the respiratory system during haze episodes is important for everyone, not only those already considered medically vulnerable.
