The use of air conditioning, whether in the car or in environments, is essential for many Brazilians, especially on hotter days and in those regions where high temperatures are common. However, the thermal comfort provided by the device can pose risks to respiratory health and the equipment can become a villain.
This is because when misused or with inadequate maintenance, air conditioning can aggravate allergic conditions such as rhinitis, sinusitis and bronchitis or trigger asthma attacks. It’s not that using the device itself is harmful, the main problem is the accumulation of dust, mites and microorganisms in the filter and air conditioning ducts.
When cleaning is not carried out regularly, these agents are disseminated into the environment, becoming triggers for allergic attacks and inflammation of the respiratory tract.
“It can also cause serious hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to exposure to fungi. It can cause dryness of the airways, promoting an environment of damaged cells that is more prone to respiratory infections. It can even lead to more serious conditions, such as pneumonia”, explains pulmonologist Ana Carolina Lima Resende, director of the Sociedade Paulista de Pneumologia.
More Factors Make Air Conditioning Harmful
According to experts, added to this is the fact that air-conditioned environments also tend to be drier, which can dry out the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, reducing the natural barrier against viruses and bacteria.
Another relevant factor is the sudden difference in temperature between indoor and outdoor environments. This variation can make it difficult for the body to adapt, leaving the respiratory tract more susceptible to inflammation and infections, such as colds and flu.
“The sudden change in temperature and the decrease in air humidity reduce the defense mechanisms of the respiratory tract, increasing the risk of infections and exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases. Dryness of the skin and eyes may occur”, adds Jaquelina Ota Arakaki, pulmonologist and clinical director at Hospital São Paulo da Unifesp (Federal University of São Paulo).
How to avoid problems?
To minimize risks, it is essential to carry out periodic maintenance of the air conditioning, respecting the manufacturer’s recommendations, and ensure frequent cleaning of the filters. Additionally, using air humidifiers or containers of water can help prevent the environment from drying out.
“Sanitizing the device periodically, every three months, or as recommended by the manufacturer, is enough to reduce this type of problem. In addition, using humidifying eye drops and washing the nose with saline solution is also recommended. And when possible, avoid extreme temperatures and prolonged use of air conditioning”, adds Jaquelina.
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This content was originally published in Can air conditioning harm your breathing? Understand this relationship on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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