How does the haze affect my allergies?

With the immense heat we are all experiencing lately, the minister of Natural Resources, Environment & Climate Change Malaysia has foreseen haze to take place in some places; affecting especially the states at the northern (Kedah, Penang, Perak, Perlis) & East Coast region (Sabah & Sarawak). This is because when the temperature is unusually high, forest fires can easily be ignited and this may lead to or exacerbate haze problems. 

Allergies that can be triggered by the haze

The nose is an essential gateway between the airway and the environment. Since haze is known to be an air pollution, it can affect our respiratory system and trigger allergic reactions in people who are generally susceptible to air pollutants/irritants. If you’ve been suffering from uncontrolled sneezing, coughing, wheezing, runny nose or itchy and watery red eyes whenever it's the haze season, you are indeed responding as an allergic reaction to the high concentrations of hazy particulates. Though these air particles do not necessarily threaten our health or cause diseases when exposed temporarily, our body would see them as foreign intruders and activate our immune system to release histamine which would subsequently trigger a cascade of allergic responses that either manifest as rhinoconjunctivitis or asthma.

While just a few minutes of haze exposure would not cause long term health issues, prolonged exposure to haze and its particulate matter can develop to more serious health effects such as bronchitis and an increased risk of lung cancer. Hence, it is important to be vigilant and wear protective face masks at all times.

In conjunction with allergy awareness week, let us have a glance at allergic rhinitis (the biggest headache for allergic people) and how people who are prone to respiratory allergies can better prepare themselves to combat the hazy conditions.

Allergic rhinitis/ hay fever

Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, happens when there is an inflammation of the nose due to the body’s hyperactive immune response to allergens. It is a very typical allergy response that results in severe sneezing, a runny nose and sometimes even red, itchy, watery eyes.

Haze, with its abundant irritants, soot, and allergens dispersed in the air, is often a common hypersensitivity trigger to the nose lining. Thus, patients with pre-existing allergic rhinitis will be more symptomatic than healthy individuals, have more frequent flare-ups or take longer to recover.

Besides the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, other allergy symptoms that may happen from haze include:

Additionally, the haze can also aggravate asthmatic patients’ conditions as well as those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD). The public is therefore advised to bring their inhalers with them at all times as a precautionary measure. 

How can I control my allergic reactions better with haze?

Like in other cases of allergies, the best and safest way to protect yourself against allergic reactions from haze is by allergen avoidance. While that may not be entirely possible, you can follow some pollution allergy remedies to minimize your exposure to hazy irritants and reduce the severity of your allergic reactions –

• Always wear a face masks (preferable a N95 mask for better filtration) whenever you’re outside
• Have your nasal sprays (ie: Nasonex, Rhinocort, Avamys), oral antihistamines (ie: Bilaxten, Clarityne, Zyrtec) and/or eye drops (ie: Pataday, Systane relief) ready or restocked
• Be informed with the daily Air Pollution Index (API) and stay indoors, if possible when the API reaches more than 101 
  
• Reduce outdoor activities as much as possible 
• Purchase an air purifier and a high grade filter, if available to help filter and limit outdoor particles level
• Keep windows closed or leave them slightly ajar to avoid polluted air from entering the house
• Avoid being around smoky areas or people who smoke 
• Practice good hygiene at all times
• Ensure good hydration, at least 8 glasses of water/day
• Incorporate a well-balanced diet that consist of high antioxidants, fruits and vegetables to enhance immune system and reduce inflammation that may be triggered by harmful fine particles in the air

When should I see a doctor?

Allergic rhinitis induced by haze is detrimental when it is uncontrolled with your conventional steroid sprays and oral antihistamines. It should also signal a red flag when it is so severe it affects your work, sleep, concentration and studies. In the event if your allergic rhinitis condition occurs more than 4 hours/day and/or more than 4 days/week, it is recommended that you consult your ENT doctor to have it better managed.

In conclusion

Haze, as a form of air pollution, does in fact have a direct negative impact on people who are easily predisposed to respiratory allergic symptoms. Prevention is always better than cure. We hope that with the tips shared above, you would be well prepared and take the necessary precautionary measures in reducing the severity and frequency of allergic rhinitis in the upcoming hazy days.

Stay safe everyone!

This article is written by Janelle Leong, Bpharm(Hons) (DOC2US),  reviewed by Dr. Ng Shuk Sing, MBBS (DOC2US)

References

1. https://www.mountelizabeth.com.sg/health-plus/article/haze-sinus-health#:~:text=Environmental%20irritants%20such%20as%20particulate,or%20take%20longer%20to%20recover. 
2. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/allergic-conjunctivitis-beyond-the-basics?topicRef=370&source=see_link#H1 
3. https://www.allergyfree.co.in/en-gb/know-your-allergy/outdoor-allergies/pollution 
4. https://blissair.com/health-effects-of-haze.htm 
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3736369/

Written by

Janelle Leong, Bpharm(Hons) DOC2US