In my medical career, I often have patients complaining that they start coughing when they enter an air-conditioned room, and once they leave the environment, the symptoms are quickly relieved. This happens especially in the summer, when the sun is blazing outside and the interior is as cool as winter. Many people rely on air conditioning to escape the heat, unaware of the potential health hazards behind it. I remember one time when a middle-aged lady came to my clinic, her complaint was that as soon as she came to the office and sat under the air conditioner, she would cough uncontrollably within half a day. At first, she thought she had a cold, but even with regular cold medication, her symptoms did not improve. Even more puzzling is that whenever she is at home on the weekends, the cough symptoms almost completely disappear. This made her very confused and distressed. I had a detailed interview with her and a series of tests, including auscultation and pulmonary function tests. In the end, we found out that the problem was not with her body, but with the air conditioning system in her work environment. As we explored further, we identified several key factors that could have contributed to her cough. This discovery not only solves her problems, but also provides us with valuable insights into air conditioning-related diseases.
Reason 1: Dry air
In summer, air conditioning has almost become a must-have artifact for us to escape the heat. However, as the indoor temperature decreases rapidly, so does the air humidity, which has a non-negligible impact on our respiratory tract. In my outpatient experience, many patients report that after staying in an air-conditioned environment for a period of time, they start to develop coughing symptoms, and the cough is quickly relieved after leaving such an environment. The reason for this is that air drying is a factor that cannot be ignored.
Air humidity and respiratory health
When the humidity of the air drops to a certain level, the mucous membranes of our nose and throat begin to dry out. Dry mucous membranes not only reduce the barrier against viruses and bacteria, but can also trigger irritating coughs. This cough is not caused by an infection, but is the result of a physical stimulus. Prolonged exposure to this environment, especially for those with pre-existing respiratory sensitivities, can have a more pronounced effect. How to improve air drying?Use a humidifier: Using a humidifier in an air-conditioned room can effectively increase air humidity. Choose a humidifier that fits the size of the room and clean it regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Place wet towels: If you don't have a humidifier, you can keep several wet towels in your room, especially near air conditioning outlets, to increase air humidity through evaporation. Regular ventilation: Even in the hot summer, windows should be opened regularly to improve indoor air quality. Fresh air can reduce dryness in an air-conditioned environment and help regulate indoor humidity.
Reason 2: Air conditioning filter pollution
In my practice, many patients report coughing symptoms after using the air conditioner for a period of time, which is often related to an inconspicuous but crucial detail: the cleanliness of the air conditioner's filter. The main function of an air conditioner filter is to filter dust, pollen, and even microorganisms from the air that enters the air conditioning system. However, if the filter is not cleaned for a long time, these impurities not only build up, but can also form a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. When the air conditioner is running, these pollutants are blown back into the indoor air, triggering or exacerbating respiratory symptoms, especially for those with a history of allergies or sensitive airways. So, how can you effectively avoid this? Here are some practical tips: Check and replace the filter regularly: It is recommended to check the air conditioner filter every two months to see if there is any significant dust accumulation. If the filter looks dirty, it should be cleaned or replaced immediately.
Steps to clean the filter:
First, turn off the power of the air conditioner to ensure safety. Remove the filter and gently suck up the surface dust with the soft-bristled brush head of the vacuum cleaner. If the filter is too dirty, wash it by hand with mild soapy water. Soak the strainer for 10 minutes and rinse it off with running water. Allow the strainer to air dry naturally or pat dry with a clean towel and keep it out of direct sunlight. Use a high-efficiency filter: If possible, consider using a high-efficiency filter, such as a HEPA filter, which is more effective at capturing tiny particles and microorganisms.
Reason 3: Stimulation of temperature differences
In my career as a doctor, I often encounter patients asking why they are prone to coughing in an air-conditioned room, and the symptoms are significantly reduced as soon as they leave this environment. One reason that cannot be ignored is the stimulation of temperature differences. Effect of temperature difference on the respiratory system: The human body is very sensitive to temperature, especially the respiratory system. In summer, the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor can be very large, sometimes as high as more than 10 degrees. This rapid temperature change can be a challenge for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for people with asthma or other respiratory sensitivities. When you enter an air-conditioned room from a hot external environment, or vice versa, the respiratory tract reacts quickly to this drastic temperature change. This response, which may manifest as coughing, is a way for the body to try to adapt to temperature changes and regulate body temperature.
How to reduce the effects of temperature differences
Adjust the temperature of the air conditioner properly: Set the air conditioner temperature to a relatively comfortable level, and it is generally recommended that the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor temperature should not exceed 6 to 8 degrees. This reduces the impact on the body when entering and exiting an air-conditioned environment. Gradual adaptation: When entering or leaving an air-conditioned room, allow your body as much time as possible to adjust. For example, before entering an air-conditioned room, stop at the door to let your body gradually adjust to the indoor temperature, and similarly, when you leave, you can also turn down the air conditioning indoors to let the temperature gradually rise before going out. Increase clothing accommodation: Bring a light jacket or shawl to use when entering or leaving an air-conditioned environment. This can help the body gradually adapt to temperature changes and reduce coughing or other discomfort caused by temperature differences.