Beware! Air Pollution During Dry Season Triggers Serious Respiratory Problems

Health experts in Indonesia are urging the public to exercise caution regarding a surge in respiratory illnesses during the dry season, primarily driven by escalating air pollution. This period sees a heightened risk of various health issues, ranging from mild irritation to serious infections.

Professor Dr. R. Budi Haryanto, from the Department of Environmental Health at the University of Indonesia's School of Public Health, explained that airborne dust and other pollutants can easily be inhaled, leading to respiratory tract irritation. This condition is exacerbated by an increased susceptibility to viruses and bacteria that cause infections. "Respiratory tract disorders, therefore, encompass everything, not just acute respiratory infections (ISPA)," Prof. Budi stated. "All sorts of reactions occur upon short-term exposure."

Initial symptoms of respiratory distress typically include coughing, a runny nose, throat irritation, and nasal congestion. However, individuals should be more vigilant if these symptoms worsen, manifesting as difficulty breathing, labored breathing, chest pain, or rapid heartbeat. Prof. Budi emphasized that individuals experiencing severe symptoms require immediate medical attention.

To prevent respiratory problems, Prof. Budi stressed the importance of combining personal protection measures with environmental controls. Simple steps include wearing masks when outdoors and regularly monitoring air quality. He also recommended minimizing pollutant entry into homes, suggesting that air conditioners or air purifiers can be effective solutions. "Of course, body immunity must also be boosted with vitamin-rich, fiber-rich foods so that the body's resistance is good," he added.

On a broader scale, Prof. Budi highlighted the critical need to control pollution sources. He called for strict prohibitions on indiscriminate garbage burning and urged for the prevention and legal enforcement against those responsible for forest and land fires. In urban areas, motor vehicles using fossil fuels are identified as major polluters, contributing over 50 percent of the problem. "So the protection is that humans are protected, and the sources of pollution are controlled," he concluded, advocating for adequate public transportation and the promotion of eco-friendly vehicles, alongside encouraging industries to adopt low-emission production processes.