How Does Haze Affect Your ENT Conditions?

Haze is a familiar concern in Singapore, when air quality deteriorates due to smoke from nearby hotspots such as Sumatra and Kalimantan. Just recently, on 4 September 2026, the air quality index hit Unhealthy levels and protection from haze is important for Singaporeans to keep healthy. 

Haze contains fine particulate matter and other pollutants that can irritate the lining of the upper respiratory tract. For some people, this may cause temporary symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, throat irritation and coughing. Those with existing ENT conditions, such as allergic rhinitis or sinus problems, may also find that their symptoms become more noticeable during periods of haze.

In this article, we speak to Dr. Paul Mok, an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon at My ENT Specialist, Farrer Park Hospital, to learn about how we can manage ENT conditions during the haze period. 

How Does Haze Affect The Nose? 

The nose is one of the first areas of the respiratory system to come into contact with airborne pollutants. When exposed to haze, the nasal lining can become irritated and inflamed. For people with existing sinus or allergic rhinitis conditions, these symptoms can be particularly troublesome since airborne pollutants can act as irritants and aggravate existing nasal symptoms.

 

Can Haze Make Sinus Problems Worse?

Haze does not necessarily cause sinusitis, but exposure to airborne irritants may contribute to inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages.

When the nose becomes congested, normal mucus drainage from the sinuses can be affected. People with existing sinus problems may consequently experience increased:

• Nasal congestion
• Facial pressure or discomfort
• Post-nasal drip
• Reduced sense of smell
• Mucus production

If these symptoms continue even after air quality improves, it is worth considering whether an underlying nasal or sinus condition may be contributing to them.

 

Haze and Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis commonly causes symptoms such as sneezing, an itchy or runny nose and nasal congestion. Although haze is not an allergic trigger in itself, particulate matter and other pollutants can irritate the nasal passages and potentially worsen existing symptoms.

If you frequently experience nasal symptoms whenever air quality deteriorates, an ENT specialist can assess whether allergic rhinitis, sinus disease or another nasal condition may be contributing.

 

How Does Haze Affect the Throat?

Haze can also irritate the throat and upper airway.

Some people may experience:

• Dry or scratchy throat
• Sore throat
• Throat irritation
• Frequent throat clearing
• Coughing
• A sensation of mucus at the back of the throat

Staying adequately hydrated can help relieve dryness and irritation. Reducing prolonged outdoor exposure during periods of poor air quality can also help minimise exposure to pollutants.

However, persistent throat symptoms should not automatically be attributed to haze. Conditions such as post-nasal drip, acid reflux, infections and other throat conditions can also cause similar symptoms.

Can Haze Cause Coughing?

Coughing is a common response to irritation of the respiratory tract.

When fine particles from haze enter the airways, they may irritate the lining and trigger coughing. People with existing respiratory conditions may be more sensitive to changes in air quality.

From an ENT perspective, coughing can sometimes be related to irritation higher up in the respiratory tract as well. For example, nasal congestion and post-nasal drip can cause mucus to run down the back of the throat, resulting in throat irritation and coughing.

If a cough persists after the haze has cleared, other possible causes should be considered.

These can include:

• Post-nasal drip
• Allergic rhinitis
• Sinus problems
• Acid reflux
• Asthma
• Other respiratory conditions

An ENT assessment may help determine whether the nose, sinuses or throat are contributing to a persistent cough.

Can Haze Affect Your Voice?

Your voice depends on the healthy movement and vibration of the vocal cords. Irritation of the throat caused by haze may sometimes affect voice quality.

You may notice:

• Hoarseness
• A rough or weak voice
• Frequent throat clearing
• Throat discomfort when speaking
• Increased vocal fatigue

Frequent coughing and throat clearing can further irritate the vocal cords.

If you notice changes to your voice during a haze episode, try to stay hydrated and avoid unnecessary throat clearing. More importantly, persistent hoarseness should not simply be attributed to haze.

There are many potential causes of voice changes, and an ENT specialist can examine the vocal cords to determine the underlying cause.

 

How Can You Protect Your Nose and Throat During Haze?

There are several practical steps you can take to reduce your exposure to haze and minimise irritation.

1. Monitor the air quality

Check Singapore’s air quality readings before spending prolonged periods outdoors. The Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) and 1-hour PM2.5 readings can help you make informed decisions about outdoor activities.

2. Reduce prolonged outdoor exposure

When air quality is poor, consider reducing prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities, particularly if you are experiencing symptoms.

3. Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water can help keep your throat and nasal passages from becoming excessively dry and may provide some relief from throat irritation.

4. Avoid excessive throat clearing

If your throat feels irritated, repeatedly clearing it can create further irritation. Try taking a sip of water or swallowing instead.

5. Keep indoor air clean

Keep windows and doors closed when appropriate during periods of haze. An air purifier with an appropriate filter may also help reduce particulate matter indoors.

6. Continue prescribed treatment

If you have an existing medical condition and have been prescribed medication, continue taking it as advised by your doctor. If your symptoms worsen despite treatment, seek medical advice.

 

How Long Will The Symptoms Last?

For many people, mild irritation caused by short-term haze exposure improves as exposure decreases and air quality returns to normal.

However, persistent symptoms should not automatically be attributed to haze.

Consider seeing an ENT specialist if you experience:

• Persistent or worsening nasal congestion
• Ongoing sinus or facial discomfort
• Persistent post-nasal drip
• Sore throat that does not improve
• A cough that continues after the haze has cleared
• Persistent throat clearing
• Hoarseness or changes in your voice
• Difficulty swallowing

In particular, persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or breathing difficulties should be assessed by a medical professional rather than assumed to be caused by haze.

Concerned about persistent nose, sinus, throat or voice symptoms? Consult an ENT specialist for an appropriate assessment.