Sunway City:Reduced feeding in babies and unusual breathlessness in older adults during routine activities may indicate that haze is impacting lung health, warn two medical specialists.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sunway Medical Centre's Dr. Syed Ajmal Syed Ali advises families to monitor changes in breathing during routine activities when air quality worsens. Early signs of haze-related issues, especially in older adults, include increased coughing or phlegm, wheezing, and chest tightness. Dr. Syed Ajmal emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms like breathlessness, coughing, or wheezing worsen or if usual medications fail to alleviate these symptoms.

Haze can affect the lungs by introducing fine particles known as PM2.5, which penetrate deep into the respiratory tract, reaching smaller airways and air sacs, leading to inflammation and increased mucus production. For unavoidable outdoor activities, wearing a properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask is recommended.

Dr. Noor Zehan Abdul Rahim, a Consultant Paediatrician at Sunway Medical Centre, notes that in babies and young children, coughing and nasal congestion can develop into breathing or feeding difficulties. Early signs of respiratory distress include irritability or reduced feeding due to a blocked nose. Dr. Noor Zehan advises parents to seek medical attention before a child struggles visibly to breathe and cautions against using essential oils as they do not remove air pollutants.

Both specialists highlight the vulnerability of older adults, who have reduced lung capacity, and children, who have smaller airways and developing lungs. Individuals with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at risk of flare-ups when exposed to poor air quality.

To minimize exposure, staying indoors and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities are recommended, along with maintaining activity through indoor play for children and light movement for older adults. Families should keep windows and doors closed when outdoor air quality is poor and regularly maintain air-conditioning and air-purifier filters. Air purifiers that filter fine particles can help reduce exposure.

Dr. Syed Ajmal urges patients to continue their prescribed medications and keep reliever inhalers accessible, while Dr. Noor Zehan stresses the importance of parents being familiar with their child's asthma action plan.