Air-conditioning disease is caused by the body’s inability to properly adapt to the large temperature difference between indoors and outdoors due to excessive cooling.
Symptoms are similar to those of a cold. That’s why it’s nicknamed ‘summer cold’. The main symptoms are decreased work efficiency, headache, and fatigue. Also, my nose and throat are dry and I get cold like I have a cold. Dizziness or drowsiness appears, and indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain occur. It shows symptoms similar to allergic rhinitis, such as runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat, and red eyes. In response to rapid temperature change, peripheral blood vessels constrict, and the face, hands, and feet may swell.
In addition, if the ventilation is not properly done, the humidity in the room decreases, the respiratory tract becomes dry and the bronchial tubes become sensitive, which causes sore throat, cough, and runny nose.
Another cause that can cause cold-like symptoms from air conditioning is ‘legionellosis’. Legionella bacteria thrive in the air conditioner coolant when the temperature is high and humid like these days.
Professor Seo Min-seok, Department of Family Medicine, Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, Catholic University of Korea If the condition is severe or does not heal for a long time, you may have legionellosis.”
Even without special treatment for air-conditioning disease, symptoms improve within a few days if you stop using the air conditioner. If symptoms of air-conditioning disease appear, first turn off the air conditioner, ventilate it sufficiently, and then take a rest. Do not use the air conditioner for a long time, and when operating, make sure that the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors does not exceed 5~6℃. It is recommended to keep the room temperature at 22~26℃ and avoid direct contact with the body from the cold air from the air conditioner. In addition, the room is ventilated every 2 to 4 hours so that the cold air does not stagnate and the humidity is maintained at a level of 50 to 60%. Air conditioner filters can be cleaned frequently and replaced regularly to prevent bacterial growth.
Professor Seo Min-seok said, “Air-conditioning disease is a summer disease that anyone can easily get, but it can be sufficiently prevented by maintaining an appropriate indoor temperature and frequent ventilation.”
He continued, “For health management in summer, it is important to manage your health through regular exercise and regular living and not to get stressed out. It helps,” he advised. By Jang Jong-ho, reporter bellho@sportschosun.com
