Table of Contents
Introduction
Using air conditioning may cause some diseases and health problems. Such as Legionnaires’ Disease, Allergies and Asthma, Increased Effect of Chronic Diseases, Fatigue and Constant Exhaustion, Respiratory Diseases, Dry Skin and Itchy Skin, and Dry Eyes. In this article we are going to understand what is the cause and how to prevent it.
Diseases Caused by Air Conditioning
1. Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionnaires’ disease is a form of acute pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which can multiply in air conditioners. Symptoms of this disease include: [1]
| Symptom | Details |
|---|---|
| Headache | Persistent pain in the head |
| Muscle pain | Body aches and soreness |
| High fever | Reaching 40°C or higher |
| Cough | With phlegm or blood |
| Shortness of breath | Difficulty breathing |
| Chest pain | Discomfort in the chest |
| Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea | Digestive symptoms |
| Confusion | Feeling disoriented |
2. Allergies and Asthma
Mold can grow inside air conditioners due to humidity, and then spread into the air, causing allergic reactions and asthma attacks. [2]
3. Increased Effect of Chronic Diseases
Air conditioners can increase the symptoms of chronic diseases, such as: [3]
| Chronic Condition | Possible Effect of AC Use |
|---|---|
| Low blood pressure | May worsen symptoms |
| Arthritis | May increase joint stiffness |
| Neuritis (nerve inflammation) | May aggravate nerve pain |
4. Fatigue and Constant Exhaustion
Research has shown that air conditioning can cause: [3]
- Fatigue and constant headaches
- Persistent irritation of mucous membranes and breathing difficulties
- Increased risk of colds, flu, and other illnesses
5. Respiratory Diseases
Using air conditioning can lead to diseases in the upper respiratory tract, especially in the nose and throat, because AC air is very dry, which causes: [2]
- Irritation and inflammation of the nasal mucosa
- Irritation of throat membranes, leading to rhinitis and pharyngitis
6. Headaches
Dry air from air conditioners can reduce body fluids, causing temporary brain shrinkage and decreased blood flow to the brain, which leads to pain in the membrane surrounding the brain and headaches. [2]
7. Dry Skin and Itchy Skin
Spending long hours in front of the air conditioner can cause loss of skin moisture, leading to skin dryness. This can result from dehydration or the skin’s reaction to pollutants in the air. [2][3]
8. Dry Eyes
Air conditioners can cause eye diseases, such as: [4]
- Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Eye irritation for contact lens users
How to Prevent Diseases Caused by Air Conditioning
To prevent the diseases caused by air conditioning, follow these steps: [5]
| Prevention Tip | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Clean the AC and home from mold and allergens | Reduce allergy and asthma risks |
| Perform regular maintenance and replace air filters every few months | Prevent bacteria and dust buildup |
| Drink more fluids | Keep throat and nasal passages moist |
| Set AC to a moderate temperature | Avoid large temperature differences between indoors and outdoors |
Summary Table
| Disease / Problem | Cause Related to AC | Possible Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Legionnaires’ disease | Legionella bacteria in AC water | Fever, cough, chest pain, confusion |
| Allergies and asthma | Mold spores from AC | Sneezing, wheezing, asthma attacks |
| Worsened chronic conditions | Cold, dry air | Stiff joints, low blood pressure effects |
| Fatigue and exhaustion | Long exposure to AC air | Tiredness, headaches |
| Respiratory diseases | Dry and cold air | Rhinitis, pharyngitis |
| Headaches | Dehydration from dry air | Head pain, brain membrane irritation |
| Skin dryness and itchiness | Moisture loss from AC | Flaky or itchy skin |
| Dry eyes | Low humidity and cold air | Irritation, blepharitis, conjunctivitis |
References
- CDC – Legionnaires’ Disease
- American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
- Journal of Environmental Health Research
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- WHO – Indoor Air Quality Guidelines
Read More: ideafys – Lyme Disease
