By Vincent D’Silva

JOHOR BAHRU: It was a talk about the nose, but for many in the room, it touched something far deeper — the quiet struggle of people who go through their days unable to breathe freely, sleep peacefully or live without the constant discomfort of sinus, allergy and chronic rhinitis.

At the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Johor Bahru (RCJB) held at Amari Hotel, consultant otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon Dr Irfan Affandi Hamid brought a medical subject close to everyday life, turning clinical knowledge into a message of awareness, prevention and hope.

Speaking to Rotarians, Dr Irfan explained that sinus problems, allergies and chronic rhinitis were often misunderstood or dismissed as minor conditions, when in reality they could affect a person’s sleep, concentration, productivity and overall quality of life.

“Many people think a blocked nose or repeated sneezing is something they simply have to live with,” Dr Irfan said. “But when these symptoms become persistent, they can affect a person’s daily routine, their rest and even their emotional well-being.”

Dr Irfan, who serves at Puteri Specialist Hospital, said patients often come forward only after enduring symptoms for a long time. Some complain of constant nasal blockage, facial pressure, post-nasal drip, coughing, headaches, watery eyes or disturbed sleep.

He told the audience that chronic rhinitis and sinus-related conditions were not merely about discomfort, but about how the body reacts to allergens, infection, pollution, weather changes and other triggers in the environment.

“The important thing is to understand the cause,” he said. “Treatment must not only focus on the symptoms, but also on what is triggering the problem.”

The talk, titled “Sinus, Allergy & Chronic Rhinitis”, drew keen attention from the Rotarians, many of whom listened closely as Dr Irfan explained the difference between common colds, allergies and sinus disease.

In a clear and engaging manner, he said not every runny nose was a sinus infection and not every headache was caused by sinus trouble. Proper assessment, he stressed, was important before treatment could be given.

“Self-medication may give temporary relief, but it may not solve the actual problem,” he said. “If symptoms continue or keep coming back, it is better to seek proper medical advice.”

Dr Irfan also touched on the importance of early treatment, especially when symptoms begin affecting sleep, breathing or daily activities. He said untreated nasal and sinus conditions could sometimes lead to complications or worsen a person’s quality of life over time.

For the Rotarians, the session was more than a medical briefing. It was a reminder that health awareness begins with paying attention to small signs the body sends.

In his talk, Dr Irfan encouraged the public not to ignore persistent symptoms, particularly when they interfere with work, school, family life or rest.

“A good night’s sleep begins with good breathing,” he said. “When a person cannot breathe properly, the whole body feels the burden.”

He also highlighted the role of lifestyle and environment in managing allergies, advising people to identify possible triggers such as dust, pollen, pets, smoke, air-conditioning, strong odours or changes in weather.

The atmosphere became livelier after the talk when Dr Irfan opened the floor for questions. Rotarians took the opportunity to raise concerns about sinus headaches, long-term medication, allergies among children, nasal sprays and when surgery might be necessary.

Dr Irfan answered each question patiently, offering practical explanations without overwhelming the audience with medical jargon. His responses were met with appreciation, and when the session ended, he received thunderous applause from the floor.

The applause was not only for a doctor who had shared his expertise, but for a speaker who had made people understand that behind every blocked nose may be a tired child, a sleepless parent, a struggling worker or an elderly person quietly enduring discomfort.

The evening ended on a warm and cheerful note as the Rotarians gathered for a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate Rotarian Henry Chin Fong Meing’s birthday.

As the birthday song filled the room, Henry cut the cake amid smiles, laughter and fellowship — a fitting close to an evening that had begun with health awareness and ended with the simple joy of community.

For the Rotary Club of Johor Bahru, the talk was a timely reminder that service to society also begins with knowledge — and that sometimes, the path to better living begins with something as ordinary, yet precious, as the ability to breathe freely.