How to use air conditioning without getting sick: top tips

Using air conditioning in the heat of summer can make you sick. The so-called air conditioner sickness is a feeling of weakness, hypothermia, and suffocation caused by staying in a room with the air conditioner on for too long.

All you want to do in this case is to return to the warm summer sun, writes Moore Heating & Cooling. According to the publication, air conditioners do not cause illnesses directly, but they can interact with the environment in such a way that a person becomes ill.

What causes "air conditioning disease"

Air conditioners and the cold air they produce are not harmful in themselves, the article says. Air conditioning can be very beneficial for people suffering from respiratory diseases. However, air conditioning causes illness where bacteria, mold, and fungus meet.

If the home or office is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria or is not regularly vacuumed, the air conditioner will only spread disease-causing allergens.

Air conditioners can help dry out a home, but they can't address the underlying cause of moldy or dirty walls and floors. Because these allergens are airborne, they cause nasal congestion, sore throat, and in some cases, difficulty breathing.

Air conditioners can also be a breeding ground for mold and bacteria if they are not properly maintained. As air is pulled through the air conditioner coils, condensation forms. This humidity can create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and mold if not cleaned regularly.

Another cause of "air conditioning sickness" is very low indoor temperatures. First, viruses that cause colds spread. According to WebMD, these viruses survive best in the low humidity and cold conditions created by an air conditioner set to an extremely low temperature.

Ultra-low temperatures also cause the arteries in the skin to constrict to protect the body from heat loss. This reduces the flow of blood, including white blood cells that protect the body from viruses, making the body more susceptible to disease. Finally, the ultra-dry environment evaporates the moisture in the nasal mucosa, making it more susceptible to infections.

Living and working in very cold environments can also cause prolonged chills that cause headaches, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain.

How to avoid "air conditioning sickness"

The first thing you can do to protect yourself is to clean the room from mold, mildew, or other allergens. After that, prevent additional mold or fungus from growing by eliminating the cause of the humidity. Then you should take care of the air conditioner itself.

Perform regular maintenance on your air conditioner, including thoroughly cleaning and replacing the filter at least once every few months. If you still have nose and throat problems, consider making lifestyle changes. Drink more water to maintain your water balance and moisturize your throat and nasal passages.

If you feel exhausted, or have a headache, or muscle and joint pain, turn off the air conditioner. It should be set to a comfortable room temperature. There should not be a sharp contrast between the temperature outside and the temperature in your home or office, it should just be cooler and more comfortable.

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