During hot summer days, many people rely on air conditioning to stay cool. However, the device can create cold, dry air that dries out the mucous membranes in the nose and throat, making it harder to fight off illness-causing viruses and bacteria. This can increase the risk of acute respiratory diseases such as flu and colds, which can lead to more serious conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia. Dr. Than Thi Ngoc Lan from Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi advises against five common mistakes people make when using air conditioning in order to protect respiratory health.
One mistake is going into a cold room immediately after being in the sun, as this rapid change in temperature can lead to heat stroke. It is recommended to allow the body to acclimate for about 10-15 minutes before entering an air-conditioned room. Additionally, setting the air conditioner below 20 degrees Celsius is not only unnecessary but can also increase the risk of respiratory illnesses. Doctors recommend keeping the temperature between 25-28 degrees Celsius and using a fan to help cool the room instead.
Another mistake people make is not cleaning their air conditioning system regularly. The moisture and condensation created during the cooling process can create a breeding ground for viruses, bacteria, and fungi if not cleaned regularly. It is important to clean your air conditioner periodically to prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms and maintain a healthy environment.
Lastly, not controlling humidity levels in a room where air conditioning is being used can also negatively impact respiratory health. Humidity levels should be maintained between 30-50% to ensure a healthy environment for breathing comfortably without experiencing respiratory irritations or allergies caused by low humidity levels that dry out mucous membranes in your nose and throat. Using additional humidifiers can help add moisture to the air and promote overall health while preventing dryness caused by low humidity levels that may lead to chronic respiratory diseases like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). By avoiding these common mistakes and following these recommendations, individuals can protect their respiratory health while using air conditioning during hot summer days.
In conclusion, while air conditioning is essential for staying cool during hot summer days, it’s important not to use it incorrectly as it can have negative effects on our respiratory health. Dr. Than Thi Ngoc Lan advises us against five common mistakes we make when using air conditioning: going into a cold room immediately after being in the sun, setting the temperature too low or too high, not cleaning our air conditioners regularly, not controlling humidity levels properly
