Reetika Choudhury
The intense summer heat makes us all appreciate air conditioners (ACs). When summer hits, ACs are everywhere- from homes to offices. Nowadays, ACs has become a necessity rather than a luxury for most people. However, spending too much time in air-conditioned environments can have some serious health effects that many aren’t aware of. While ACs provides a cool and comfortable escape from the heat, they can also cause some hidden side effects on our bodies. Here, we will discuss the potential health issues that can arise from prolonged AC use.
Dehydration
Air condition reduces the humidity in the air, which can affect how hydrated we are. When the air is dry, our bodies lose water faster through breathing and sweating. If we don’t drink enough fluids to make up for this loss, we can become dehydrated. Staying dehydrated for a long time can cause issues like headaches, dry skin, and dizziness. To avoid these problems, it’s important to drink plenty of water when spending time in air-conditioned environments.
Headache
Air conditioning can sometimes cause headaches for people. This happens because when you move quickly between a cool indoor space and the hot outdoors, the blood vessels in your head can tighten and relax too fast, causing pain. Also, being in cold, dry air for a long time can make your sinuses feel blocked and can make migraines worse. So, while air conditioning can be comfortable, it’s good to be aware that it might trigger headaches for some individuals.
Respiratory Problem
Air condition can be bad for our lungs, especially if we already have breathing problems. The cold and dry air from AC units can irritate our airways, causing coughing, sneezing and a sore throat. People with allergies or asthma might find that their symptoms get worse when they are in air-conditioned rooms.
Asthma and Allergies
Air conditioning systems can collect allergens like dust, pollen and mold. If these systems aren’t kept clean, they can blow these allergens into the air. This can cause allergic reactions like sneezing, coughing, watery eyes and stuffy noses. People with allergies or asthma are especially sensitive to these allergens, which can make their symptoms worse and cause breathing problems. Regular maintenance of air conditioning systems is important to prevent these issues and help keep the air clean and safe to breathe.
Dry or Itchy Skin
Air conditioning often causes dry or itchy skin because it reduces humidity in the air. This can make your skin lose moisture, leading to dryness, flakiness and irritation. People with skin conditions like eczema may find it even more bothersome. To prevent this, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Using moisturizers regularly can also help keep your skin soft and healthy.
