PETALING JAYA: Amid erratic weather patterns with scorching heat and sudden bouts of heavy rain, a health expert has advised the public to take precautions regarding their respiratory health.
Senior ear, nose and throat consultant Datuk Dr Balwant Singh Gendeh (pic) said respiratory ailments, of either the nose or lung, can flare up during episodes of extreme weather.
“It can affect those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiolitis in children and even bronchitis in adults.
“Those with sinusitis can also see their condition flare up,” he said, adding that contracting the flu is another possibility in such weather.
Dr Balwant, who is also an Academy of Sciences Malaysia fellow, said the reason there is a higher probability for such instances during extreme weather changes is due to the dust that rises from rainfall after a heat episode.
He advised those susceptible to respiratory illnesses to always wear a mask, especially in crowded areas.
“Those using mass rapid transport systems like trains should take this precaution due to the volume of people in one place,” he said.
The country is currently experiencing the southwest monsoon season, which began earlier this month and is expected to last until September.
According to earlier reports, Malaysian Meteorological Department director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said lower humidity levels during this period typically lead to reduced rain cloud formation across most areas.
This will see the country experience more dry days, but heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms may still occur in parts of Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah during early parts of the day.
