Dry-season air pollution triggers ARI and breathing problems
Severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, and dizziness should prompt immediate medical care.
Budi Haryanto, a professor of environmental health at FKM Universitas Indonesia, warned that air pollution during the dry season can trigger ARI and a range of respiratory tract disorders. Dust, combustion emissions, and smoke from forest and land fires worsen air quality, then irritate the airways and make it easier for viruses and bacteria to enter the body. Symptoms can include coughing, runny nose, throat irritation, and nasal congestion. If complaints develop into shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, or frequent dizziness, patients need to be examined immediately. BMKG had earlier also warned that dry weather with minimal cloud cover can raise air temperatures, trigger karhutla, and increase the risk of health problems.