5 Common Haze Symptoms & How To Beat It

Haze has now almost become an annual episode in ASEAN. Countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia are usually engulfed in clouds of haze especially during the dry season. Over-exposure to the haze is bad for health and results in certain symptoms.

Read on to find out how to beat these symptoms:

But firstly, why does the haze affect our health?
“Haze” originates from soot from the burning of plant material. This results in very tiny particles (less than 2.5 um in aerodynamic diameter). This can be easily deposited into the eyes, nose and lungs and result in certain physiological symptoms. Evidence has also shown this particle can also penetrate into the lower respiratory tract. (In other words, it can go really deep into the lungs!)

Common Haze Symptom #1

Eye symptoms: tearing and stinging sensation on the eyes

Actions: 

1. Ask your pharmacist for eye drops or artificial tears to wash away any pollutant particles in your eyes
2. Try to avoid wearing contact lens if possible as contact lens users have lower tear production resulting in dry eyes

Common Haze Symptom #2

Nasal symptoms: runny nose, blocked nose and sneezing

Actions: 

1. Wear an N95 face mask
2. Ask your pharmacist to recommend some antihistamines or nasal decongestants for symptom relief.
3. If you are already taking such medicines, make sure to take it regularly.
4. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist

Common Haze Symptom #3

Throat symptoms: coughing, dry throat and throat irritation

Actions:

1. Wear an N95 face mask
2. Maintain good fluid intake, drink 10-12 glasses of water a day unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
3. Ask your pharmacist for cough mixtures, throat sprays or cough lozenges to for symptom relief
4. Consult a doctor If cough symptoms persist more than 7 days or if you observe thick phlegm or develop a fever

Common Haze symptoms #4

Breathing difficulties: chest tightness, breathlessness, asthmatic or COPD symptoms

*COPD = Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Action:

1. Consult a doctor immediately
2. If you have asthma should carry the reliever inhaler (blue inhaler) wherever you go, and use it if you have an asthma attack.
3. If you are prescribed a controller inhaler, be sure to use it daily to prevent breathing difficulties.
4. Consult your doctor again if your condition does not improve in spite of using the prescribed inhalers

Common Haze Symptom #5

General: headache, tired/fatigue, feeling unwell

Action:

1. If you have a headache, ask your pharmacist for paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve the symptoms
2. Increase antioxidant intake
3. Build up your immunity by consuming more fruits and vegetables
4. Take antioxidant supplements such as Vitamin C, Black elderberry extract and colostrum supplements (for children).

For other tips to protect yourself from the haze. Click here: https://www.caring2u.com/health_info/6-ways-to-protect-yourself-from-the-haze/