Air Conditioning-Related Illnesses and Precautions to Take

Climate-Related Illnesses and Preventive Measures Chest Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Ceyda Erel Kırışoğlu explained potential risks posed by air conditioning units and provided important warnings and recommendations for protection. Acıbadem Kozyatağı Hospital Chest Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Ceyda Erel Kırışoğlu, noting that improper air conditioning use can lead to various problems ranging from respiratory tract infections and muscle stiffness to allergies and paralysis, stated: "Incorrect and uninformed use of air conditioning, particularly the common cold, rhinitis, sore throat infections and legionella (air conditioning) disease, which we are accustomed to in winter but wonder 'can it happen in summer?', are recognized as important causes of these conditions. Moreover, some of these illnesses can develop severely in patients with weakened immune systems, those with chronic diseases, smokers and individuals over 50 years of age. At the same time, for people with allergic predispositions, mold fungi that can grow in air conditioning units can lead to allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma.

Allergies

Air conditioning units that lack proper maintenance blow dust, mold fungi and allergenic agents contained within them into the environment along with cold air. While this does not affect normal individuals, it can increase complaints and trigger allergic attacks, particularly in people with allergy problems. In some patients, it can cause dry cough or even asthma attacks.

Muscle aches and paralysis

One of the reasons why people frequently complain of muscle stiffness or pain in summer is air conditioning. When facial nerve sheaths are affected by direct exposure to cold air blown by air conditioning units, edema can develop in severe cases. However, this condition can also lead to facial paralysis, in which case the immediate action required is to go to the nearest health facility.

Respiratory tract infections

One of the feared effects of air conditioning is causing respiratory tract infections. Prof. Dr. Ceyda Erel Kırışoğlu noted that there are two reasons for air conditioning-related respiratory tract infections and continued as follows: "Using air conditioning at high cooling levels indoors while it is very hot outside carries certain risks. The large temperature difference between indoors and outdoors, the effect of sudden temperature changes, and continuous exposure to cold and dry air reduce body resistance. This is like inviting illness. Therefore, precautions must be taken, and the temperature difference between the air conditioning and outdoor temperature should be at most 7 degrees." Prof. Dr. Ceyda Erel Kırışoğlu noted that the second reason is that air conditioning units blow certain bacteria and viruses into the air while operating. "These are transmitted to people through the respiratory tract. Air conditioning units that cool the air while drying it can lead to diseases such as pharyngitis, nasal congestion and sinusitis in the upper respiratory tract. In addition to diseases such as rhinitis and influenza, serious health problems known among the general public as air conditioning sickness can also occur."

Protect your health during summer heat with 9 recommendations

What precautions can be taken to avoid health risks from air conditioning. Here are Prof. Dr. Ceyda Erel Kırışoğlu's recommendations:

1. Your room should be neither too cold nor too hot. Set your air conditioning to between 22-25 degrees. 2. Do not suddenly bring your air conditioning to a very cold temperature when your room is hot. Lower the temperature gradually so your body temperature does not drop suddenly. 3. Ensure the temperature difference between the outdoor temperature and the temperature in the air-conditioned room does not exceed 7 degrees. 4. Keep the air flow power of your air conditioning at a fixed and moderate level at most. Exposure to suddenly increased air flow causes your body temperature to drop suddenly and negatively affects your muscles. 5. Avoid staying in the direction of the air flow from your air conditioning. Although staying directly in the path of the air conditioning may feel refreshing at the moment, it is very harmful. 6. You are sweating heavily, feeling hot and want a cool breeze on your face, but do not direct the air conditioning toward your face. This can lead to both facial paralysis and rapid inhalation of disease-causing agents if present. 7. Since dry air can harm health, prefer air conditioning units that maintain humidity balance. 8. To counter the possibility that air conditioning units may not adequately humidify your respiratory tract, drink plenty of water. 9. Since bacteria can grow in inadequately maintained air conditioning water, replace the filters of air conditioning and ventilation systems annually and have them serviced.