Difficulty: Challenger (Level 2)
When temperatures are high, it can be tempting to crank up the air conditioning. It’s an effective way to stay cool. However, air conditioning can also have unexpected side effects.
Skin
Staying in air-conditioned rooms for a long time can dry out your skin.
“Air conditioning tends to remove humidity from the air, which makes us feel cooler. But it can increase the water loss from your skin,” said Dr Opel Baker. He is a doctor at Mayfield Clinic, a private medical practice in Britain.
“This can lead to dry skin, tightness and flaking. It might even lead to increased sensitivity, eczema or chapped lips,” he explained.
If you have dry or sensitive skin, air conditioning might make it worse.
Nose and throat
“Your nose and throat are designed to be kept moist. If they get dry, they can become irritated,” Baker explained.
“This might lead to a sore throat, a blocked nose or a hoarse voice.”
“When your nose and throat dry out, you’re less able to clear mucus, which is an important part of our immune defence system,” Dr Lucy Hooper added.
She is a London-based doctor and the co-founder of Coyne Medical.
Some people might experience nosebleeds. According to Baker, air conditioning dries out the inside of your nose. When your nose is dry, it can crack easily. If you blow or pick your nose, it might start to bleed.
Lungs
Baker explained that if air conditioners are not cleaned properly and regularly, they can spread dust, pollen and mould particles in the air. These particles can irritate your lungs and cause problems like asthma.
Hooper said it could also increase the risk of getting a respiratory tract infection. This is especially dangerous for people who have a lung condition. She explained that an infection could cause these individuals serious and long-lasting problems.
