Can an air conditioner make you ill?
Acute respiratory infections are caused by viruses, not by cold air. An air conditioner on its own cannot cause a cold if a person has not been in contact with an infection. Still, this does not mean that complaints after time under an air conditioner are always a coincidence.
So where does the sore throat come from?
Cold and dry air can irritate the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. This may lead to:
- a tickle in the throat;
- dryness in the nose;
- a stuffy nose;
- discomfort when swallowing.
Sometimes these symptoms resemble the start of a cold, though in fact they are linked to the effect of cold air.
How to use an air conditioner without harm to your health?
Most often the unpleasant sensations come not from the air conditioner itself but from the way it is used. Too low a temperature, a strong stream of cold air and a sharp difference between the street and the room can cause discomfort.
For example, if it is +35 °C outside and the room is kept at about +18 °C, the body has to adapt to these changes all the time.
For the air conditioner to bring only comfort, it helps to follow a few simple rules:
- keep the room temperature at about 23-26 °C;
- avoid a direct stream of cold air on the face and neck;
- do not set the temperature too low compared with the temperature outside;
- clean and service the air conditioner regularly.
What else is worth knowing?
Can you sleep with the air conditioner on?
Yes, if the room temperature stays comfortable and the stream of cold air is not aimed straight at the bed.
Should you turn the air conditioner off when you come in from the heat?
No. The main thing is not to set the temperature too low. About 23-26 °C is usually considered optimal.
Can an air conditioner cause a runny nose?
On its own – no. But cold and dry air can irritate the nasal mucosa, which brings on symptoms that resemble a cold.
Is a dirty air conditioner dangerous?
Clogged filters worsen the air quality in the room, so it is important to clean and service the air conditioner regularly, in line with the manufacturer recommendations.
A general practitioner at SILK Medical
If the sore throat does not go away after time under an air conditioner, and a high temperature, marked weakness, a cough or other symptoms appear, do not automatically blame cold air.
Similar complaints can hide viral infections, bacterial inflammation or other conditions that need a different approach to treatment.
The specialists at SILK Medical will help find the cause of the poor well-being, carry out the needed examination and select treatment if required.
