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Lupus pneumonitis as the initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus: case series from a single institution

Wan SA, Teh CL, Jobli AT

Lupus, 2016 Apr 28.
PMID: 27125293 DOI: 10.1177/0961203316646461

Objective. The aim of this study was to examine the clinical features, treatment and outcome of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in our centre who presented with lupus pneumonitis as the initial manifestation.
Methods. We performed a retrospective review of all patients who presented with lupus pneumonitis during the initial SLE manifestation from March 2006 to March 2015.
Results. There were a total of five patients in our study who presented with fever and cough as the main clinical features. All patients had pulmonary infiltrates on chest radiographs. High-resolution computed tomography, which was performed in two patients, showed ground glass opacities with patchy consolidations bilaterally. All patients received high-dose steroids, 80% received intravenous cyclophosphamide and 60% received intravenous immunoglobulin. Two patients died from severe lupus pneumonitis within 2 weeks of admission despite treatment with ventilation, steroids, cyclophosphamide and intravenous immunoglobulin.
Conclusions. Acute lupus pneumonitis is an uncommon presentation of SLE. Mortality in this case series is 40%.
KEYWORDS: Lupus pneumonitis; systemic lupus erythematosus

Matched MeSH terms: Cough
Fulltext Risk perceptions and acceptance towards the uptake of pertussis vaccine amongst the healthcare workers in Sabah and Sarawak

Michal Christina Steven, Jeffery Stephen

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):87-87.
MyJurnal

Introduction:The incidence of pertussis has been said to increase over the years, and the affected patient-age group has also changed with the increasing number of cases amongst adolescents and adults. Therefore, adults require booster vaccination for protection against pertussis infection. Vaccination among healthcare workers (HCW) should be prioritized when a country implements an adult vaccine. However, the coverage of pertussis vaccination is still deficient among HCW due to low-risk perception. This study focused on finding the risk perception of pertussis in-fection amongst the HCWs based on the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and their acceptance to take pertussis vaccination. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using online survey. The website link is given to the Health-care workers consisting of doctors, Assistant Medical Officers, nurses, and Environmental Health Officers. Results: A total of 853 responders responded to the questionnaire. Most of the respondents (81.5%) are willing to receive the pertussis vaccine. Independent t-test showed that the PMT score was significantly different between those willing and those not willing to take the vaccine (p-value < 0.001, t statistics (df)= 7.729 (325). Robust path analysis showed that sociodemographic factors (age, the institution of working and prior pertussis vaccination) (p=0.004), threat (p

Matched MeSH terms: Whooping Cough
Fulltext Dynamic cervical lung lobe herniation in a shih tzu dog

Joanne, T.S.Y., Lim, M.L., Asnawi, O., Shamsul, M.A.H., Khor, K.H.

Jurnal Veterinar Malaysia, 2019;31(1):38-42.
MyJurnal

An 8-year-old spayed female Shih Tzu was referred to University Veterinary Hospital (UVH) with history of chronic coughing for more than a year duration. Dry, hacking cough was heard and bilateral wheezing lung sound was noted upon physical examination. Auscultation of heart revealed left apical systolic heart murmur Grade III/VI. A soft, intermittent swelling was observed at ventral neck, cranial to thoracic inlet (protruded upon expiration and collapsed upon inspiration). Thoracic radiography taken showed presence of apical radiolucency at cervical region and bronchial pattern at caudodorsal lungs with left atrium enlargement and right-sided heart enlargement. Echocardiographic examination revealed myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) with mild regurgitation. Based on diagnostic imaging, this case was diagnosed as dynamic lung lobe herniation secondary to chronic coughing concurrent with myxomatous mitral valve disease. Other differential diagnosis that may lead to chronic cough such as of tracheal collapsed and bronchiectasis was not rule out.

Matched MeSH terms: Cough
A pilot study on the efficacy of nasal rinsing during ablution in reducing acute respiratory tract infection (ARI) among male Hajj pilgrims

Ramli RR, Mohamad I, Ab Wahab MS, Naing NN, Wan Din WS

J Taibah Univ Med Sci, 2018 Aug;13(4):364-369.
PMID: 31435348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2018.04.004

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of nasal rinsing during ablution in reducing acute respiratory tract infection among male Hajj pilgrims.
Methods: A quasi-experimental trial study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of nasal rinsing between two groups. The intervention group was instructed to perform nasal rinsing during ablution, while the control group was not asked to do nasal rinsing. Both groups were provided progress diaries to record the symptoms of respiratory tract infection, including cough, rhinorrhoea, nasal blockage, fever, and sore throat, as well as thick phlegm, shortness of breath, epistaxis, and changes in sense of smell. The groups were also instructed to record any visits to clinics for their symptoms throughout their stay in Makkah for the Hajj ritual.
Results: The study showed that nasal rinsing significantly reduced the symptoms of cough, rhinorrhoea, and nasal blockage. The intervention group had an increased number of visits to healthcare facilities for treatment, when compared to those of the control group. There were no significant differences in the groups regarding the symptoms of fever and sore throat.
Conclusion: Nasal rinsing can be included as part of intervention methods that include vaccination and the use of a face mask. Nasal rinsing can be easily practiced by the pilgrims, since it is a Sunnah act in ablution, which is an integral element of Muslims' daily life.

Matched MeSH terms: Cough
Resolution of asthmatic symptoms following successful endoscopic resection of tracheal mucoepidermoid carcinoma

Hanif Khan A, Faisal M, Mohd Ali R, Abdul Rahaman JA

BMJ Case Rep, 2019 Jan 17;12(1).
PMID: 30659001 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-226202

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a rare tumour of the trachea accounting for up to 0.2% of reported primary lung malignancy. We report a case of a 54-year-old man, ex-smoker, whose presentation mimicked adult onset asthma with cough and wheezing, which did not respond to conventional treatment. He had occasional haemoptysis and weight loss in which CT scan performed for malignancy screening showed a protruding mass in the distal trachea causing endobronchial obstruction. Bronchoscopic intervention was performed to relieve the obstruction that resulted in resolution of asthmatic symptoms. Histological diagnosis confirmed MEC. This case emphasised the importance of a high index of suspicion in an unusual presentation of a common disease and the pivotal role of bronchoscopic intervention in malignant central airway obstruction.

Matched MeSH terms: Cough
Fulltext Association of exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 with DNA damage in exfoliated buccal mucosa cells among primary school children living nearby palm oil activity at Semenyih, Selangor

Syhidatul Farhana Othman, Juliana Jalaludin, Nur Hazirah Hisamuddin, Noeroel Widajati

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(204):130-135.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Exposure of PM2.5 and PM10 released from combustion of biomass activity caused respiratory health among children. Objective: This study aims to determine the association between exposure of PM2.5 and PM10 with DNA damage in primary school children living nearby palm oil combustion activity at Semenyih. Methods: A cross sectional comparative study were conducted among Malay primary school children in school A located 2.7km from palm oil activity (N=82) and school B located about 40km away from the palm oil area (N=85). A standardized ques- tionnaire were distributed to respondent’s parents. Concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were measured by using Dust Trak DRX Aerosol Monitor Model 8534 and Escort LC Personal Sampling Pump. Measurement of indoor and outdoor air pollutants were conducted in schools and home. Buccal cells were collected, which then followed by micronu- cleus assay. Results: Concentration of PM10 and PM2.5 at home of studied group were significantly higher compared to comparative group with p value (p=0.007) and (p=0.018) respectively. PM10 and PM2.5 of studied schools were significantly higher compared to comparative schools with p value (p=0.014) and (p=0.04) respectively. MN fre- quencies of studied group were significantly higher compared to comparative group (p=0.001). Significant difference of respiratory symptoms were found between two groups which are cough, phlegm, wheezing and chest tightness (p=0.001). There were significant correlation between PM10 with MN frequency of studied group and comparative group with r= 0.562; p=0.001. Conclusion: This study indicated that the exposure of PM10 and PM2.5 would increase the risk of having respiratory health symptoms and might induce the micronuclei formation among children who lived near palm oil activity area.

Matched MeSH terms: Cough
Fulltext Prevalence of comorbidities in covid-19 patients: an overview

Durga Darshene Kunasegran, Kohila Gengatharan, Rani Thanuja Logeswaran, Viknesuwary Subramaniam, Durgadas Govind Naik

Journal of Management & Science, 2020;18(2):40-46.
MyJurnal

Coronaviruses are known to cause fatal diseases like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and recently recognised coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). It is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a single-stranded RNA virus. This review is done to study the clinical presentation, comorbid conditions in COVID-19 patients. The relevant articles were searched in PubMed, Science direct and special issues in JAMA, and the New England Journal of Medicine. Only selected papers were used for data extraction and synthesis. The exact source of current pandemic of Covid-19 is not known. The main clinical symptoms include fever, dry cough, myalgia, dyspnoea. Other symptoms presented are headache, malaise, chills/rigor and diarrhoea. The mortality rate was high in above 60 years of age with the comorbid conditions. The data analysis revealed varied mortality rates in different regions. The mortality rate of COVID-19 has been highest among elderly individuals with the comorbid conditions.

Matched MeSH terms: Cough
Fulltext A rare and challenging case of pulmonary mycobacterium genavense in an immunocompetent adult

Nur ‘Aini Eddy Warman, Nurul Yaqeen Mohd Esa

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences, 2018;3(1):47-50.
MyJurnal

Mycobacterium genavense, a non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM), usually affects patients severely immunodeficient from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or any other immunocompromised states. We reported a case in a 70-year-old female with well-controlled diabetes and history of proximal cystic bronchiectasis. She presented with 2 months history of cough, haemoptysis, and night sweats of which serial sputa were positive for acid-fast bacilli and the culture repeatedly grew M. genavense. Treatment with rifampicin, ofloxacin, and clarithromycin was complicated with drug-induced liver injury and intractable gastrointestinal side effects. We also presented a brief review of relevant literature.

Matched MeSH terms: Cough
Fulltext Application of occupational health surveillance program among responder’s during chemical incident at Pasir Gudang, Johor

Salvaraji L., Haidar R.T., Mohd Aris N., Ayob Q. A., Nordin N., Abdul Latif N., et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):29-29.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Responder’s action during mass environmental chemical incident involves collaboration of multiple agency. They clean the exposure site, control public safety and safe lives. The health of the responder is also as valuable as the public and always been neglected. Hence, this study is to highlights the method used and challenges during the incidents. Methods: A modified Occupational Health Surveillance Programme designed by Baker and Matte (Thirteen Steps in designing and implementing an Occupational Health Surveillance Programme) was imple-mented. These method full fill the criteria of impossible further reduce exposure to known hazards and uncertain health effect of the offending chemicals. Two core workplace namely the source of chemical contamination locale and victims’ evacuation centre were identified. The exposed responder is identified and categorised according to their expected exposure. Offending chemicals identified were known hazardous to health. An electronic survey form was developed and the surveillance were conducted during the event and post-exposures of one, third and sixth months. Laboratory tests were performed as a grab sample randomly and strategically to represent responder exposure. Results: During the event, 1338 responders were surveyed and twenty percent had symptoms of cough, headache, sore throat, nausea and skin irritation. After one-month post-exposure, three percent of responder noted to have continue symptoms. Laboratory tests were performed randomly due to the sheer numbers of responders in action. Only sixty-one samples were collected and sixteen percent had positive metabolites for urine cyanide. Re-sponders with abnormal laboratory result (FBC/LFT/RP/Urine) were interviewed and a repeat sample were performed. Conclusion: The health surveillance of the responder in mass environmental chemical incident is a great challenge when the exposure level is unsure and involve more than one chemicals. Likewise, reliability and validity adopting statistical test for health surveillance instruments is unattainable due to urgency. However, a proper method of occu-pational surveillance need to be devised and implemented to ensure the protection of worker’s health is guaranteed.

Matched MeSH terms: Cough
Fulltext Protection motivation theory-based questionnaire validation to predict acceptance of healthcare workers towards uptake of pertussis vaccine

Michal Christina Steven, Jeffery Stephen

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(3):60-66.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Pertussis is known to cause infection and reinfection to everyone irrespective of ages and countries. Therefore, adults do require vaccination for protection against pertussis infection especially the HCW. However, the pertussis vaccine coverage is low among HCW due to low-risk perception. Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) is one of the most cited theories to explain risk perception and intention to change. Therefore, we developed a questionnaire based on the subconstructs of the PMT to assess the acceptance of the pertussis vaccine amongst the HCWs in Sabah and Sarawak. The motive of this study is to validate this questionnaire to see its validity and reli- ability. Method: Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire via an online survey (Monkey Survey). The questionnaire was given to 250 HCW. Items that were identified as a problem were modified to increase reli- ability. Further validation was done among 853 HCWs working in various parts of Sabah and Sarawak. Results: The Cronbach alpha of the overall construct of PMT during the first pilot study was 0.66 and improved to 0.82. Principal components factor analysis using varimax rotations showed that the first four factors explained 28%, 2%, 9% and 5% of the variance respectively. Both the one level and two-level modelling indicated that it’s a good fit model. Conclu- sion: The study instrument that was developed for the study has been tested and proven to be relevant to assess the risk perception of an HCW towards pertussis.

Matched MeSH terms: Whooping Cough
Hiding in plain sight: Diagnosing pleural tuberculosis using lung ultrasound

Ahmed WAW, Rahim MJC, Mohammad N, Fauzi MH, Wahab SFA

Ultrasound, 2021 May;29(2):123-127.
PMID: 33995559 DOI: 10.1177/1742271X20959761

Introduction: Diagnosing pleural tuberculosis can be difficult in patients with ambiguous presentation, especially in resource-limited health centres. Thus, lung ultrasound had been studied as a novel method in helping clinicians to diagnose this condition.
Case presentation: A 48-year-old woman presented with worsening dyspnoea and orthopnoea for one week. She had also experienced weight loss, minimal dry cough and right-sided pleuritic chest pain for several weeks. A chest radiograph showed a right lower zone pleural effusion with no apparent lung consolidation. Lung ultrasound showed a right apical consolidation and right lower zone septated pleural effusion. Pleural fluid investigations showed exudative features of mixed lymphocytic, mesothelial and neutrophilic cellular components. Tuberculin skin test was strongly positive. She was subsequently treated for pleural tuberculosis. One month after treatment, her symptoms had improved considerably.
Discussion: Lung ultrasound has been found to be more effective than chest radiograph in detecting consolidation and diagnosing pneumonia. The portability and efficacy of today's ultrasound machines, including the handheld types, show that lung ultrasound is a practical, reliable and valuable diagnostic tool in managing pulmonary conditions including tuberculosis, provided that the operators are adequately trained.
Conclusion: Lung ultrasound in tuberculosis is the next frontier for clinicians and researchers.

Matched MeSH terms: Cough
Fulltext Central airway obstruction tumour debulking using rigid bronchoscopy and cryotherapy: a case report

Wai Heng Chew, Abdul Aziz Marwan, Ummi Nadira Daut, Rosmadi Ismail, Mona Zaria Nasaruddin, Jamalul Azizi Abdul Rahman

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(108):75-77.
MyJurnal

Sarcomas usually frequented in the head and neck region of young adults. Trachea is a rare site, and due to scarce clinical data, its clinical outcome is unclear. We reported a case of 60-year old patient presented with progressive worsening shortness of breath, cough, and progressive worsening dysphagia. Computer tomography scan revealed extensive 2 lobulated soft tissue lesions within and surrounding the trachea at the T4 level. Rigid bronchoscopy with mass cryo-debulking was performed and ultimately synovial sarcoma was diagnosed. Shortness of breath was com- pletely relieved post-procedure.

Matched MeSH terms: Cough
Fulltext Post-intubation airway related adverse effects: a aomparison between intra-cuff dexamethasone and intra-cuff alkalinized lignocaine

Kep, Kee W., Nadia, M.N., Melvin, K., Muhammad, M., Raha, R., Nurlia, Y.

Journal of Surgical Academia, 2013;3(2):26-31.
MyJurnal

Post-intubation airway related adverse effects such as coughing on the endotracheal tube (ETT), restlessness, hoarseness and sore throat are common and undesirable outcomes of anaesthesia using endotracheal intubation. This prospective randomized single blind study was carried out to compare the effectiveness of intra-cuff dexamethasone and alkalinized lignocaine in reducing the incidence of post-intubation airway related adverse effects. Eighty four patients aged 18 – 60 years, of ASA status I or II, were randomly allocated into three groups: air, dexamethasone and alkalinized lignocaine. Their ETT cuffs were inflated according to the group they were allocated to. The incidence of coughing on the ETT, restlessness, hoarseness and sore throat was assessed, postoperatively. The results showed a significant difference in the incidence of cough, restlessness, hoarseness and sore throat in the dexamethasone group compared to the air group. All the patients had minimal or no sore throat at all documented times. Both intra-cuff dexamethasone and alkalinized lignocaine significantly reduced the incidence of hoarseness. However, alkalinized lignocaine additionally lowered the incidence of restlessness, significantly.

Matched MeSH terms: Cough
Fulltext The blue man who presented with a stroke

Koh KC, Wong MH

Malays Fam Physician, 2011;6(1):29-31.
PMID: 25606217 MyJurnal

A 19-year-old man presented with sudden onset of right eye ptosis, diplopia and giddiness. He had no previous medical illnesses with negative history of exertional dyspnoea, epistaxis, haemoptysis, palpitations, chest pain and chronic cough. Examination revealed central cyanosis, digital clubbing, polycythaemia, partial ptosis of right eye, diplopia on right gaze and dilated right pupil. Examination of the chest revealed pectus excavatum but no cardiac murmurs were heard. Investigations revealed a solitary right pulmonary arteriovenous malformation with two feeder vessels which were successfully embolized surgically.

Matched MeSH terms: Cough
Fulltext Perception of foreign students on food safety and hygiene practices among food handlers in Malaysian restaurants: public health perspective

Odeyemi, Olumide Adedokun

Int J Public Health Res, 2013;3(1):214-222.
MyJurnal

Influx of foreign students in Malaysia calls for a study on safety of food in Malaysia restaurants as perceived by them. This study aims to investigate perception of foreign students regarding food safety and personal hygiene practice of food handlers in Malaysia restaurants. A six sections Likert scale questionnaire was used. A total of 350 questionnaires were distributed during this study between March 2011 and March 2012 to the international students from 26 countries of the world in various public and private institutions of higher learning in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Among the distributed questionnaires, only 155 were correctly filled, retrieved and analyzed. Ninety-one respondents (59%) were male while 63 (41%) were females. A total of 107 (69%) were undergraduates and 29 (19%) were postgraduate students. One hundred and thirty-nine (90%) respondents were local or foreign restaurants. Eleven respondents (7%) did not patronize any of the restaurants. Among factors influencing choice of restaurants are closeness to residence, price of food and quality of food were the most important factors 62 (38%). Twenty-seven (28%) eat in restaurants because of the similarity of the food to that of their home country. Of the most preferred food, Nasi ayam, 89 (57%) top the list, next was Nasi goreng ayam, 14 (14%) and African food, 23 (15%). Nasi lemak was the least food preferred 3 (2%). A total of 104 (67%) respondents were of the opinion that handlers kept short nails, 91 (59%) do not pick nose, 108 (55%) stated that food handlers cough or sneeze while handling food. Ninety-eight respondents (64%) also stated that serving of food with unprotected hands were observed. The result of this study showed that although food handlers are aware of the need for personal hygiene, more awareness needs to be created.

Matched MeSH terms: Cough
Fulltext Respiratory symptoms and spirometry findings among pottery makers in Perak

Ibrahim Zubil, AR., Wan Adnan W. A

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2013;10(1):49-58.
MyJurnal

Occupational health hazards as a result to exposure to mineral dust containing silica has been established long time ago in occupational health history. Its effects on lung function and symptom was evaluated in a cross sectional studied among 49 small enterprise pottery workers in the county of Sayong clustered in 3 villages. Respiratory symptoms and lung function was evaluated using MRC respiratory questionnaire 86 and standard spirometry performed. The prevalence of chronic cough, phlegm and chest tightness was 24.5%, 16% and16% respectively. There was no significant decrement in lung function parameters from the predicted normal value with the mean predicted FVC; FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio was 85.32%, 83.87% and 99.22 respectively. The relationship between lung symptoms and lung function parameters was evaluated and the result was not significant.

Matched MeSH terms: Cough
Fulltext Environmental tobacco smoke and its association with asthma like symptoms among Malaysian children under 6 years old

Azmawati M.N., Aisah M., Norfazilah A.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2015;15(2):49-59.
MyJurnal

Children less than 6 years old are the most vulnerable group to get harm from Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) exposure, especially their respiratory system. To determine the prevalence of ETS exposure and its association with asthma like symptoms among children less than 6 years old. A cross sectional study was conducted in between January till April 2014 among parents with children less than 6 years old in Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 142 parents were selected by simple random sampling and data were collected using guided questionnaire on ETS exposure and asthma like symptoms (cough and wheeze) among their children. A total of 52.8% of children found to be exposed to ETS, and 43.7% were exposed from their father. ETS exposure significantly associated with cough without cold (adjusted OR=5.46, 95% CI 2.37, 12.61), dry cough at night (adjusted OR=3.74, 95%CI 1.41, 9.95) and cough upon physical activity (adjusted OR=3.08, 95% 1.07, 8.89) among these children. Children less than 6 years old are vulnerable to respiratory problem due to ETS exposure especially on cough symptoms. More strategies should be developing to reduce the exposure to ETS.

Matched MeSH terms: Cough
Fulltext Ambiguous presentations of pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: Two case reports of a rare pulmonary malignancy

Soo CI, Ng BH, Tan EL, Abdul Hamid F

SAGE Open Med Case Rep, 2016;4:2050313X16650323.
PMID: 27489719 DOI: 10.1177/2050313X16650323

Pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is an uncommon lung malignancy of endothelial origin. Besides demonstrating unpredictable presentation features and prognosis, the paucity of established treatment guidelines remains a challenge in managing these patients. We present two patients. The first patient presented with chronic productive cough over 1-year duration. He was initially diagnosed and showed partial response to treatment for cardiac failure. A persistent right upper zone consolidation on chest radiograph prompted further investigations which revealed the diagnosis of pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. The second patient presented with right-sided hemiparesis for 1-month duration. Initial computer tomography scan of the brain showed findings of distant metastatic foci. Subsequent investigations revealed pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma as the primary lesion. Both patients succumbed without any treatment due to rapid progression of the disease. We believe that pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is undoubtedly rarely reported in south-east Asia region. In these two case reports, the patients were diagnosed in west and east Malaysia, respectively, in the same year (2015). Both cases highlight the increasing prevalence of pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. We postulate that this could possibly be secondary to the advancement in diagnostic capabilities and improved healthcare facilities available in this region. Late presentation of pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma generally results in grave prognosis. Further investigations are required to elucidate the nature of progression and therapeutic options for patients with pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma.

Matched MeSH terms: Cough
Fulltext Psychological and physical impact of the haze amongst a Malaysian community

Teoh, Hsien-Jin, Tan, Kai Ling

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2008;6(2):23-34.
MyJurnal

A total of 306 Malaysian university students and staff were surveyed to ascertain the physical and emotional effects of the polluted haze on them. All subjects completed self-reported questionnaires. Analysis of the results indicated that the majority of subjects reduced their outdoor activities and sports, and also reported an increase in emotional and physical health problems. The results indicated that there was a general increase in emotional problems such as feeling depressed, lacking in energy, not feeling like doing anything, feeling anxious and afraid, difficulty sleeping, feeling agitated and irritable, and having no appetite. There was also an increase in physical symptoms such as itchy or red eyes, itchy or running nose, dry throat/cough, headaches, nausea, and fever. This study indicated that emotional and behavioural problems are just as common during the haze, when compared with physical health problems. The study also suggests that there are a broad range of problems which health care and human resource departments need to be aware of and take precautions to minimize during a haze.

Matched MeSH terms: Cough
Fulltext Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function among male steel workers in Terengganu, Malaysia

Nurul, A.H., Shamsul Bahri, M.T., Noor Hassim, I.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2014;14(1):10-18.
MyJurnal

A cross sectional study was carried out to determine the relationship between dust exposure and pulmonary function in male steel workers in Terengganu, Malaysia. The investigation included spirometric testing and detailed personal interviews using a structured questionnaire adopted from British Medical Research Council (BRMC) Questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. Respiratory symptoms commonly reported by the male workers were morning phlegm (33.1%), shortness of breath (31.9%), chest tightness (30.4%), and morning cough (17.8%). Age and duration of employment were among the factors associated with respiratory symptoms (p

Matched MeSH terms: Cough

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