Health risk of air conditioning: Respiratory issues, eye irritation, dehydration

Air conditioning reduces the humidity in the air, which can lead to the drying out of your skin, eyes, and mucous membranes such as those in your nose and throat. (Image: Canva)

Air conditioning (AC) is an essential comfort feature in modern living, particularly during the sweltering summer months. It provides much-needed relief from high temperatures, creating a cool and comfortable indoor environment. However, while AC units are a boon for escaping the heat, their prolonged use can lead to several adverse health impacts. The cool, dry air produced by AC systems can cause dry skin and mucous membranes, respiratory issues, and exacerbate chronic illnesses.

Understanding the potential health impacts is crucial for effectively managing the negative effects of air conditioning, ensuring it remains a beneficial tool rather than a source of discomfort or health issues. By adopting appropriate coping strategies, one can enjoy the benefits of air conditioning while maintaining overall health and well-being, says Dr Harshita Narang from Max Healthcare Global.

Dry skin and mucous membranes

Impact: Air conditioning reduces the humidity in the air, which can lead to the drying out of your skin, eyes, and mucous membranes such as those in your nose and throat. This can cause discomfort, itching, and an increased risk of irritation and infection.

Preventive measureHydrate: Drinking plenty of water helps to keep your body hydrated, compensating for the moisture lost due to the dry air.

Humidify: Using a humidifier adds moisture back into the air, helping to maintain a comfortable humidity level in your home or office.

Moisturise: Regularly applying moisturizers to your skin helps to retain moisture and prevent dryness.

Respiratory issues

Impact: AC systems can circulate dust, pollen, and other allergens. This can trigger respiratory problems such as asthma or allergies, causing symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

Preventive measures:
Regular cleaning: Cleaning or replacing AC filters frequently helps to reduce the amount of dust and allergens that circulate through the air.

Air purifiers: Using air purifiers can further reduce the concentration of allergens in the air.

Ventilation: Ensuring proper ventilation allows fresh air to enter, diluting indoor pollutants and improving air quality.

Exacerbation of chronic illnesses

Impact: Chronic conditions such as arthritis or neuritis can be worsened by exposure to cold air, leading to increased pain and discomfort.

Preventive measure:

Adjust temperature: Keeping the AC temperature at a moderate level (around 72-75°F or 22-24°C) helps to avoid excessively cold conditions that can trigger symptoms.

Layer up: Wearing appropriate clothing, such as layers, allows you to maintain body warmth and reduce the impact of cold air on your joints and nerves.

Headaches and migraines

Impact: Sudden changes in temperature and dehydration from dry air can trigger headaches and migraines.

Preventive measures:
Stay hydrated: Ensuring adequate fluid intake helps to prevent dehydration, which is a common trigger for headaches.

Gradual adjustment: Avoiding sudden transitions from hot to cold environments can help to minimise the shock to your system and reduce the likelihood of headaches.

Eye irritation

Impact: Dry air from air conditioning can cause eye irritation or worsen conditions such as conjunctivitis, leading to discomfort and redness.

Preventive measures:
Artificial tears: Using lubricating eye drops helps to keep your eyes moist and alleviate irritation.

Humidifiers: Maintaining a comfortable humidity level in the room helps to reduce dryness that can affect your eyes.

Dehydration

Impact: Cold, dry air can cause the body to lose moisture, leading to dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, fatigue, and dizziness.

Preventive measures:
Fluid intake: Drinking water regularly throughout the day helps to keep your body hydrated.

Humidity control: Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air can help to maintain a more comfortable environment and reduce the risk of dehydration.