Steps to prevent respiratory problems during the dry season

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Health expert Prof. Dr. R. Budi Haryanto, S.K.M., M.Kes., M.Sc has stated that respiratory diseases frequently emerge during the dry season, partly because air pollution has the potential to increase during this period. The professor from the Environmental Health Department of the Faculty of Public Health at the University of Indonesia explained that dust and other air pollutants can cause respiratory tract irritation if inhaled. When contacted by ANTARA from Jakarta on Thursday, Prof. Budi said that air pollution also increases the chance of infection-causing viruses and bacteria entering the respiratory tract. According to him, exposure to air pollution can cause various kinds of respiratory disorders, not just acute respiratory infections (ISPA). “Respiratory tract disorders encompass everything, not just ISPA. All sorts of reactions when exposed in the short term,” he said. He noted that symptoms of respiratory tract disorders can include coughing, runny nose, throat irritation, and nasal congestion. “If the complaints are more severe, for example, eventually leading to difficulty breathing, heavy breathing, then chest pain, heart palpitations, and other things, or quick dizziness—that is when exposed in the short term, and that is considered more dangerous,” he explained. Individuals experiencing such severe respiratory symptoms, according to him, must be taken to a doctor immediately to receive the necessary treatment. He said individual protective measures that can be taken include wearing a mask and monitoring air quality to avoid exposure to air pollution. Additionally, he suggested implementing measures to reduce the entry of pollutants into the home, as well as using air conditioning or air purifiers. Similar steps can be taken in office environments to minimise the entry of pollutants into workspaces. “Of course, the body’s immune system must also be boosted with vitamin-rich, fibrous foods to ensure good immunity,” he said. Sources of air pollution in urban areas, such as the use of fossil fuel vehicles, must also be curbed, among other ways by providing adequate public transport facilities and encouraging the use of more environmentally friendly vehicles. “Motor vehicles and the like contribute a lot, more than 50 per cent of air pollution in urban areas. So, for protection, the people must be protected, and then the sources of pollution must be controlled,” said Prof. Budi. Meanwhile, air pollution from industrial activities can be reduced by encouraging the application of more environmentally friendly and low-emission approaches at every stage of the production process.