Air conditioners – the only salvation from the heat in the office in the summer. We rejoice so much in the divine coolness, hurrying to escape from the heat in an air-conditioned room, that we often forget – it is there that our unprepared body and diseases await. Estet-portal will talk about the most common health problems caused by air conditioners, as well as advise on how to protect yourself from them.
For many people, air conditioning on hot summer days – a means of survival, because only thanks to it can one survive the heat of summer days, which awaits both at work and at home. Air conditioners lower the temperature of the air in the room and reduce its humidity, as a result of which the microclimate of the premises becomes fresher and drier. In addition to general comfort, air conditioners are a means of protection against thermal shock.
Despite the many benefits that this miracle of technology allows you to enjoy, there are many diseases that are directly related to the use of an air conditioner. Their root cause is the accumulation of dust, fungus and bacteria in the air conditioning system.
Respiratory tract infections caused by air conditioners
Improperly maintained air conditioners lead to upper respiratory tract infections, including:
- common cold;
- sore throat;
- tonsillitis.
Dirty air filters cause airborne bacteria to be recirculated in the room, which only increases the risk of catching such infections. In addition, there are other dangers of air conditioners that should not be forgotten.
1. Illness and fatigue. People who work in air-conditioned rooms suffer from constant headaches and fatigue. They may also experience persistent mucosal irritation and breathing problems. As a result, the body becomes more vulnerable to colds, flu and other diseases.
2. Dry skin. Prolonged time spent in an air-conditioned room is fraught with loss of moisture in the skin. So remember: if you are working or relaxing in a room where the air conditioner is constantly on, you need to moisturize the skin, otherwise it will be dry.
3. Exacerbation of chronic diseases. Central air conditioning systems exacerbate symptoms such as low blood pressure, arthritis and neuritis.
4. Loss of the ability to thermoregulate. People who spend a lot of time in an air-conditioned environment are less able to tolerate high temperatures. The main reason for this is the stress for the body, which it undergoes when it enters from a cool room into hot air. Such intolerance is the cause of death from heat stroke.
5. Legionnaires' disease. One of the most common diseases caused by air conditioning, – legionnaires' disease. It is caused by the bacterium Legionella, which prefers a warm and humid environment.
First symptoms of Legionnaires' disease:
- fatigue;
- headache;
- nausea;
- body aches;
- high temperature (often over 40 degrees);
- chest pain.
If Legionnaires' disease is not recognized and treated in time, it affects the body's systems and can lead to permanent impairment of a person's physical or mental functioning. In some cases, Legionnaires' disease can be fatal.
How to Prevent Air Conditioning Disease
Firstly, when using air conditioners, one should not forget about the natural ventilation of the room. Windows should be opened regularly every day to allow fresh air to enter the room. It is also recommended to clean the air conditioner once every two weeks.
Secondly, the temperature difference between the air-conditioned room and the external environment, if possible, should not exceed 5 degrees. It is best to turn off the air conditioner at night. Also, before going to bed, it is recommended to walk in the fresh air, which improves blood circulation in the body and helps to resist diseases.
Thirdly, if you stay in an air-conditioned room for a long time, you need to go outside to ventilate. It is also recommended to drink plenty of water and warm tea.
Fourthly, before leaving the room in which the air conditioner is working, you need to spend some time in the “neutral” indoors, rather than going out directly into the sun. This will help the body adapt and not be subjected to sudden changes in temperature.
And finally, pay attention to your diet. The diet should contain a large amount of vitamins, trace elements and proteins, which also help the body resist diseases.
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