{News} 080806 Haze causing sniffs and coughs

Haze causing sniffs and coughs

The Star, 6 Aug 2008, By CHRISTINA CHIN
SINCE the haze was reported in May, paediatricians have recorded an increase in the number of patients suffering from respiratory problems.
According to Hope Children Hospital chief executive officer Andy Wee, there was a 20% increase in the number of patients since the haze started.

“All our three paediatricians reported an increase in the number of patients treated recently. The patients are mainly children with a history of asthmatic and respiratory ailments.
“Until the air quality improves, parents should ensure good air circulation inside the house by turning on the fan or air conditioner.

“If your kids are not feeling well, it is best to see a doctor and keep them home,” he said.
Consultant paediatrician Dr Koh Chong Tuan said there was “certainly an increase” in the number of patients affected by haze.

“It is not as many as last year but we don’t know whether the situation is going to become more serious later this month.

“I would advise children not to go outdoors when there is haze. In addition, those who have a history of suffering from recurrent coughs and running nose, allergic rhinitis and asthma are advised to see their doctors for preventive medication.

“Those who are having symptoms should seek treatment early,” he said, add- ing that the symptoms include nose block, running nose, nose itch, sore throat or throat irritation, cough, phlegm and breathlessness.

“Itchy and red eyes are also indicators to seek medical assistance,” he said.
According to a state Meteorological Department spokesman, the haze “should clear up” by next week.

“The skies became hazy about two weeks ago and by next week, we should have clear skies again because of the inter monsoon winds.

“Because of the morning showers, the dust particles are cleared up quite quickly so the visibility usually improves for a while. However, fair weather in the later part of the day reduces the visibility again because there is no rain to ‘clear the air’.

“The public should note that low visibility is not always caused by the haze. When there are thunderstorms, the clouds are low, thus the sky appears hazy - this normally occurs in the morning,” she said, adding that the haze situation was better now compared to last year.
“There were more hotspots last year and the weather was drier,” she explained.
She noted that visibility was very low in Butterworth at 8am yesterday.

“The visibility there was 1.5km in the early morning but the situation improved to 3km at 10am. In Bayan Lepas and Prai the visibility was between 6km to 8km at 8am.

“Although it rained in both the industrial areas of Bayan Lepas and Butterworth, the visibility was better on the island because geographically, it is surrounded by water so there is more water vapour in the air,” she said.

Source: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/8/7/north/1749633&sec=north