One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from the oppressive heat of summer is to use air conditioning. Air conditioners, which are commonly found in homes, workplaces, shopping centres and even our vehicles, can improve our quality of life when used correctly. However, unconscious and uncontrolled use of air conditioning can lead to serious health problems.

Saying that unconscious use of air conditioners can harm our health in a wide range from physical ailments to infections, allergies to respiratory diseases, Dr. Meriç Zeydan, an Internal Diseases Specialist at Medline Adana Hospital provided important warnings and suggestions about the use of air conditioners.

Neck and back pain are on the rise

Neck and back pain are among the most common complaints during the summer months as a result of direct contact with air conditioning. Exposure to air conditioning while sweating can cause muscle spasms. This can restrict a person's mobility and make daily life difficult. Similarly, prolonged exposure to cold air blowing on a fixed point on the body can cause muscle contractions and stiffness. The pain felt in the neck or lower back upon waking up in the morning is often caused by air conditioners running throughout the night. When the body temperature drops while sleeping, combined with cold air, this condition becomes almost inevitable.

Respiratory tract is also affected

The respiratory tract is also directly affected by air conditioner use. Cold and dry air dries out the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, inviting infection. Symptoms such as sore throat, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and coughing are often the result of air conditioner-induced respiratory tract irritation.

Inviting allergens

Another danger of air conditioners is that they cause allergen accumulation. Air conditioners that are not regularly cleaned or whose filters are not replaced for long periods of time spread dust, pollen, mould and bacteria accumulated inside them into the environment. This causes an increase in complaints, especially in individuals with conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Beware of Legionnaires' disease!

More serious infections such as pneumonia can also be among air conditioning-related illnesses. In particular, a type of pneumonia known as ‘Legionnaires' disease’ is transmitted by inhaling the ‘Legionella’ bacteria that grows in dirty air conditioning systems. Legionnaires' disease, which presents with pneumonia-like symptoms, causes complaints such as high fever, muscle pain, coughing and shortness of breath. This bacterium can pose a life-threatening risk to the elderly, individuals with low immunity and those with chronic illnesses.

What should be done for proper use?

• When using air conditioning, it is sufficient for the indoor temperature to be between 23-25 degrees. The most important factor to consider when using air conditioning is that it should not blow directly on people. In addition, you should not suddenly move from a hot environment to a very cold environment, and the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures should not exceed 10 degrees.
• Regular ventilation of rooms where air conditioners are used should not be neglected. In areas that remain closed for long periods of time and where air circulation is not provided, dirty air accumulates and can cause complaints such as headaches, fatigue, and eye irritation. Therefore, it is very important to open windows at regular intervals to allow fresh air to enter, especially in closed areas such as offices, vehicles, and shopping centres.
• Filter cleaning is also essential for air conditioner health. Air conditioner filters should be cleaned at least once a month, and professional maintenance should be performed once a year if possible. Otherwise, harmful particles carried through the air threaten both the air and our health.
• Individual awareness is also highly effective in air conditioner use. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses are particularly sensitive to air conditioner-related discomfort. These groups should avoid direct exposure to cold air; timed use should be preferred for air conditioners that run throughout the night.