, sore throat and laryngitis, but also joint and muscle pain, as well as conjunctivitis and gastrointestinal disturbances, of mild or moderate severity.
Sore throat
The sudden drop in temperature causes irritation and inflammation of the airways, even causing infections. Sore throat is one of the first complaints to occur. Spending excessive time in air-conditioned refrigerated environments leads to: dehydration and dryness of the larynx and pharynx with consequent burning, pain, hoarseness. In severe cases, bronchitis and tracheitis can also occur. The cilia that cover the cells of the mucous membranes capable of expelling germs and micro-dust are blocked in contact with the cold air that reaches the respiratory tract. The blood vessels constrict, resulting in less oxygen and nutrients in the tissues and mucous membranes. The trachea and bronchi cool down. The mucous membranes of the respiratory tract dry up and become inflamed. In fact, summer bronchitis and pneumonia often depend on the incorrect and excessive use of the air conditioner. The risk increases for those suffering from respiratory diseases who tend to hyperventilate more and have more acute symptoms. The same happens in those suffering from asthma or subjects with bronchopneumopathies such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis: cold air stimulates the cough receptors, induces spasm and contraction of the bronchi and can therefore lead to even major respiratory crises.
Blows of air: back and neck
Spending several hours close to the air conditioning causes the classic blows of air, responsible for muscle contractures especially in the parts of the neck and back. Stiff neck and blocked back, in fact, are often attributable to the caterpillars of thermal changes between outside and inside. The suggestion is to cover these areas with light silk or cotton scarves when entering cold environments or staying all day in rooms where the air conditioner is running.
Eye problems
Eye disorders are symptoms associated with incorrect and spasmodic use of the air conditioner. These are very delicate areas and too cold air or total absence of humidity can cause conjunctivitis and dryness. In these cases, artificial tears and eye drops are very useful. It should be remembered that the humidity rate in domestic environments should never be less than 60-65%.
Intestinal disorders
Entering an environment where the air conditioning is programmed incorrectly with temperatures that are too low can cause digestive blocks, stomach ache, diarrhea and abdominal colic. is wet returning from the sea or swimming pool. One of the fundamental rules that can prevent this disorder linked to the gastrointestinal seclusion is to wear a towel or a scarf right on the abdomen, so as to avoid discomfort.
Air conditioner: the right temperature
The air conditioner should only be used in the hottest hours of the day and not at night, when it is sufficient to set the dehumidifier or fan function. The legislation indicates never to drop below 22 ° C, but experts advise never to set a temperature below 24 ° because airway damage would occur anyway. If the outside temperature is particularly hot, there is no way to adapt to intermediate temperatures, and to have a gradual transition. This creates a thermal shock which is dangerous to health.
of a refrigerated environment (nehozi, public offices, supermarkets, are an example). On the other hand, when you are about to get out of the car where you have traveled with the air conditioning running, it is a good idea to turn off the air before exiting the passenger compartment and wait a few minutes to allow your body to get used to the outside temperature.
Check the air conditioner filters in the house and in the car ...
Another aspect not to be overlooked is the cleaning of the air conditioner filters. The appliance can in fact turn into a dangerous dust deposit, especially for allergy sufferers. In the same way, the passenger compartment of the car can become unhealthy: spent air conditioning filters retain germs and dust deposited on the dashboard and mats, and they irritate the airways.
