How not to get sick under air conditioning in the heat. 5 doctor’s tips

With the onset of summer, the issue of “cooling” certainly becomes relevant. If possible, everyone turns on the air conditioner at home, at work and even in the car. However, a sudden change of temperature, when we get into a cold room after a hot street, often becomes the cause of runny nose, pinched nerves in the neck and other painful symptoms.

doctor of allergology and immunology at the SITILAB Medical Center, Ph.

Tells how to avoid unpleasant consequences of air conditioner use.

Do not sit under the air conditioner

You should not sit under the direct flow of cold air, even if it is very pleasant in the heat. Large temperature difference in different parts of the body leads to uneven distribution of blood, muscle and vascular spasms, which affects your well-being.

It is better to give preference to air conditioners with blades directed to the ceiling or parallel to the floor (in many modern models their position can be adjusted). In this way, the cold air will gradually descend, cooling down the room. There are also special devices that help to disperse the flow from the air conditioner, distributing it evenly throughout the room.

Do not set the temperature too low

Avoid strong temperature fluctuations in the room and outside the window. It is recommended to make a “spread” of no more than 6-8 degrees. If it is +30°C outside, set the air conditioner to +23…24°C. This is enough to make the room comfortable.

Do not turn on full power when you are in the room

To cool the room quickly, turn on the cold air and leave the room. Do not stay in a room with the air conditioner on full blast.

Watch the humidity in the air

Air conditioners dehumidify the air, which is bad for the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx. Over-dried mucous membranes are more vulnerable to germs. Dryness is not the only unpleasant effect of the cooling system. About others told in the material at the link.

You can control the level of humidity by using special humidifiers or periodically spraying the room with a sprayer.

Clean the air conditioner regularly

It is not enough to sweep the dust from the outside – filters should be cleaned 2-3 times a month. Radiator and fan – twice a year. If the air conditioner is installed in the kitchen, you will have to clean it even more often. Bacteria and mold fungi can hide in the device, which spread with streams of cooled air throughout the apartment.

Allergen particles can also accumulate inside the air conditioner. Therefore, if you are allergic to mites, house dust, mold or animals, it is worth paying attention to the cleanliness of the air conditioner. Not only should the air be at a comfortable temperature, but it should also be clean.

Remember, in a car, the air conditioner needs to be cleaned periodically, too. Do not be afraid to turn it on in hot weather, if you observe all the rules of use and change filters in time. You can also turn it on with children. Babies have imperfect thermoregulation system, and heat stroke will be more dangerous than cool air in the car.

A clean air conditioner, set to the right mode, will never cause a cold. So follow all the rules of care – and your health will be safe.

And if you do not have an air conditioner, you can cool your apartment in the heat without it. How to do it, read in the article at the link.