How do air conditioners affect health?

This summer, high temperatures rarely subside, so many people are seeking refuge from the heat in air-conditioned spaces. Air conditioners often run for hours and are often set to very low temperatures.

While air conditioning provides much-needed relief during heatwaves, it can also have unwanted effects on your body. GPs tell The Independent how air conditioning can affect your health and what you can do to minimise any potential discomfort.

peelings

Spending too much time in air-conditioned spaces can dry out your skin. "Air conditioners pull moisture out of the air to make the space more comfortable, but this can speed up the loss of water from your skin," explains Dr Opel Baker, a GP at the Mayfield Clinic in Brighton.

"The consequences can be dryness, tightness and peeling of the skin, and sometimes increased sensitivity, eczema or chapped lips. If you already have dry or sensitive skin, you will notice that air conditioning makes the condition worse."

Eyes

"Air conditioning similarly dries out the eyes, causing a stinging or burning sensation. In very rare cases, blurred vision can also occur, but this is really the exception," says Baker.

He adds that contact lens wearers may experience more discomfort. "Blinking your eyes more often can help alleviate symptoms," Baker recommends.

Nose and throat

"The nose and throat need to be moist. If they dry out, they become irritated, which can cause a sore throat, nasal congestion, or hoarseness," says Baker.

Dr. Lucy Hooper, a London-based physician and co-founder of Coyne Medical, agrees. She adds, "When the nose and throat become dry, mucus becomes harder to clear, and mucus is an important part of our immune system."

Some people may also experience nosebleeds. "Air conditioning can dry out the lining of your nose, making it more prone to cracking. Bleeding can occur if you blow your nose too hard or touch it," Baker explains.

Lungs

"If air conditioners are not properly maintained, they can increase the circulation of dust, pollen, and mold into the air. This irritates the lungs and can trigger asthma attacks," says Baker.

Dr. Hooper adds that such an environment also increases the risk of respiratory infections. "If you already have chronic lung disease, an additional infection can create serious problems," she points out.

Headaches and muscle aches

"You may have experienced headaches or body aches after spending a long time in an air-conditioned hotel room. This is due to dry skin and possible dehydration, and the cold air can also cause muscle tension," explains Baker.

"Dehydration is most often the main cause of these symptoms, but air conditioning also contributes to such effects," he concludes.

How to mitigate the negative consequences

Doctors offer some practical tips to reduce irritation caused by air conditioning. The key is to drink enough water and stay hydrated.

Dr. Baker also recommends a complete skin-care routine. "If you know you're going to be in an air-conditioned space for a long time, apply a moisturizer. It will create a barrier that prevents moisture loss," he says. Dr. Hooper recommends products that contain humectants, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid, because they bind moisture and keep skin hydrated.

Protect your lips with a nourishing balm, and if you wear contact lenses, consider wearing them for a shorter period of time or using eye drops, Hooper suggests. In the car, it's helpful to direct the air vents away from your face and eyes.

Dr. Hooper points out that houseplants can also help by restoring moisture to the atmosphere. If you have air conditioning in your home, Baker stresses the importance of regular maintenance and cleaning of the filters. "You might also want to consider purchasing a humidifier," he adds.

Finally, Dr. Hooper advises evaluating when you really need air conditioning. "While it cools us down, you may not need it as soon as you get home or to the office in the morning. It's wiser to wait until the temperature rises in the afternoon before turning it on," she concludes.