“Air-conditioningitis” refers to a set of symptoms caused by excessive exposure to cold air from air conditioning. These symptoms can include cold-like symptoms, headaches, and body aches. It’s an adjustment disorder where the body struggles to cope with sudden temperature changes. Commonly known as a “summer cold,” let’s explore how air conditioning might contribute to feeling unwell and how to prevent it.
Why Do We Get Air Conditioning Sickness?
Our body’s autonomic nervous system adjusts to the heat when the weather gets hot. However, when the indoor temperature drops due to AC, the nervous system has to keep readjusting to the cooler environment, leading to repeated adaptation processes. This constant strain on the autonomic nervous system can make you sick.
Various Symptoms That Can Appear
Air-conditioningitis typically presents symptoms similar to those of a cold. You might experience a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, headaches, and body aches. You may also feel heavy shoulders and fatigued limbs. Besides these symptoms, you might experience digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, stomach pain, or nausea.
It Can Aggravate Lower Back Pain
Did you know that lower back pain can also be a symptom of Air-conditioningitis? If you suffer from a herniated disc, excessive AC can worsen the pain. While many believe spinal issues worsen only in cold winter weather, hot and humid summer conditions can also exacerbate inflammation and pain in the spine. Moreover, prolonged exposure to AC can cause muscles to contract and stiffen, further aggravating symptoms.
Maintain a 9°F Temperature Difference Between Indoors and Outdoors
The body can typically adjust to a temperature difference of about 9°F, so keeping the indoor and outdoor temperature difference within this range is advisable. Bringing a light, long-sleeved shirt or a blanket is a good idea when visiting places like movie theaters or cafes, where the AC is constantly running.
Ventilate After Running the AC for Long Periods
Some people avoid ventilating to maintain the cool air inside after running the air conditioner for a long time. However, this can lead to indoor air becoming stale, causing headaches, irritated eyes, nose, throat, dizziness, and fatigue. To prevent this, it’s essential to open the windows for at least 5 minutes every 2 to 3 hours to let fresh air circulate. Also, light stretching can help improve blood circulation and prevent getting unwell.
Avoid sleeping with the air conditioner on all night
During heat waves, people often sleep with fans or air conditioners on, but this can disrupt sleep. Our heart rate slows down when we sleep, and our body temperature drops, transitioning us into deep sleep. If the air conditioner further lowers the body temperature, the body may unconsciously increase the heart rate, preventing the muscles from fully relaxing and disrupting deep sleep.
Be Extra Cautious When Your Immune System Is Low
Why do some people get air-conditioningitis while others remain unaffected in the same environment? The answer lies in the difference in immune systems. If you have a weak immune system or suffer from asthma, allergies, chronic migraines, or other underlying conditions, you need to be extra cautious. Ensure you maintain optimal immune function by getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet.
Keep Cooling Devices Clean
Bacteria residing in cooling devices can cause “sick building syndrome.” Air contaminated by dirty cooling systems can affect individuals with weakened immune systems, leading to symptoms of air conditioning sickness. Therefore, cleaning and replacing filters in cooling devices is essential.
Severe Cases Can Lead to Facial Paralysis
Facial paralysis, also known as Bell’s Palsy, is caused by a viral infection in the facial nerves due to a weakened immune system. Symptoms include difficulty closing one eye, reduced forehead wrinkles on one side, and a drooping mouth when smiling. AC can cause blood vessels to constrict rapidly, hindering blood circulation and potentially leading to facial nerve paralysis. Do not expose your face directly to AC or fan air, and avoid sleeping on a cold surface to avoid this.
No Specific Cure
There is no specific treatment for this illness, which can affect anyone. Staying hydrated by drinking warm water frequently and building up your physical strength can help boost your immunity against the condition. If you develop these symptoms, avoid using cooling devices for a few days, and your symptoms should improve. If you must use them, ensure that you ventilate the room frequently to prevent cold air from lingering inside.
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