The continued use of air conditioning can cause changes in our body, such as dry skin, conjunctivitis, muscle problems (contractures) and nerve problems (sciatica)... But the most important consequences of incorrect use are others.

The sudden changes in temperature that we endure when going from the outside to the inside of an air-conditioned building, or vice versa, can lead to dizziness and excessive sweating that can sometimes become very intense.

If used in extremely cold temperatures, the air conditioner causes environmental dryness. When it enters the respiratory tract, the cold and slightly humid air irritates the mucous membranes, causing different degrees of inflammation and giving rise to respiratory problems such as rhinitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis and bronchitis, depending on the affected area. In addition, the immune system suffers a decrease in defenses causing a greater number of viral or bacterial infections.

On the other hand, air conditioning is a true sprinkler of fungi, bacteria and viruses, which is accentuated when there is poor maintenance of the devices. The most frequent conditions caused by these pathogens range from the flu and colds, to worsening episodes of asthma, bronchitis, pharyngitis and hoarseness. The most prevalent fungi are those of the Aspergillus genus, which cause allergic rhinitis and pneumonia, and the Legionella bacterium, which can cause very serious pneumonia.

Eva Marotto, respiratory physiotherapist and Leonor Pérez, health journalist.
Review: Mag. Hernan Diaz. Health journalist. Director of Communication of FUNDADEPS. Professor of the Expert in Social Communication and Health (Complutense University).