Respiratory Health

 Hazy Daze

Take a look outside, it is clear, well actually it is hazy and you can definitely smell it. The haze has returned and once again we have to endure the effects it can cause even to healthy people;

• coughing

• itchy and scratchy throat

• stinging eyes

• runny and itchy nose

• sinus irritation

• shortness of breath

• headaches

• more asthma attacks

People who have heart or lung diseases, will be aggravated by the haze. They may experience more;

• chest pain

• fast heartbeat

• difficulty in breathing

• tiredness

For people with other respiratory problems such as nasal allergies and asthma;

• difficulty in breathing

• cough

• discomfort in the chest

• wheezing

While we may hope for rain to wash away the haze and clear the air.

There are things we can do to minimize the effects of the haze on our health.

People who have the health problems mentioned above should stay indoors and seek medical attention if their condition worsens with the haze. The elderly and young children who are most vulnerable should also stay indoors until the haze clears. Keep the windows and doors closed and minimise indoor air pollution by not lighting candles or smoking.

Take note of the daily air quality reports in the Air Pollutant Index (API) in your area.

In this haze, the weather also gets very hot so ensure you drink plenty of water to stay cool. Water will also soothe the throat irritation caused by the haze.

Keep wet tissues handy if you get into sneezing fits and perhaps to seek the advice of your pharmacist if the haze has made your allergies and sinus irritation worse.

The fine particles in the haze can irritate the eyes so use a bottle of saline eye drops to rinse away any trapped irritants but should it get worse seek the advice of a pharmacist or doctor.

If you do have to be outside for a long time in the haze, wearing a well fitted N95 mask may offer some protection.

Let us hope this haze will all blow over soon.