Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Hospital Internal Medicine Specialist Prof. Dr. Aytaç Atamer made statements about the health problems that can be caused by the use of air conditioners. Air conditioners, which are indispensable in the summer months, can cause many health problems when used incorrectly. Stating that the body spends extra effort to balance the heat while the air conditioner is used, Internal Medicine Specialist Prof. Dr. Aytaç Atamer says that when entering a cold environment, the body cannot adapt immediately and therefore complaints such as muscle aches, cramps, dizziness, nausea and vomiting may occur. Underlining that it is not necessary to sleep in front of air conditioners and fans, Atamer warns that those with certain diseases should be much more careful.
“Health problems arise when the body cannot balance its temperature”
Depending on the use of air conditioning, which is an indispensable part of modern life, some health problems may occur. Stating that our body exerts extra effort to balance the body temperature as a result of the misuse of the air conditioners we use to cool off in hot weather, Prof. Dr. Aytaç Atamer said, “As a result, there may be complaints such as muscle aches, cramps, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Our body needs to be kept at a certain temperature. The body produces heat and loses heat. If we enter a very cold environment due to the air conditioner, our body cannot adapt immediately. It takes a while to stabilize the heat, and accordingly, complaints arise.” said.
“Air conditioning air should not hit the body directly”
Pointing out that the air conditioner should be maintained and regularly checked before starting to use the air conditioner, Atamer said, “Maintenance and cleaning are very important both in terms of energy saving and for infectious diseases. Contrary to popular belief, lowering the temperature of the air conditioner to 18 degrees does more harm than good. The average temperature of the air conditioner should be 20 and 24 degrees during the day and 25 and 26 degrees at night. It is not the right method to dry our sweat by avoiding the air conditioner as sweaty. The air of the air conditioner should not hit our body directly. Air conditioning air must circulate in the environment. Since the air conditioner will reduce the humidity of the air, it is necessary to clean the air at intervals of 3-4 hours and open the door for air circulation.” gave warnings.
“You should not sleep with the air conditioner and fan on”
Expressing that the healthiest use of air conditioners is during the daytime, Atamer said, “It is not appropriate to sleep with the air conditioner on at night. When we wake up in the morning due to constant cooling, it can cause muscle aches, muscle cramps, dryness in our throat, sometimes coughing, nausea and vomiting. It is convenient to use the air conditioner during the daytime. Sleeping in front of the air conditioner while sleeping at night causes health problems. The same is true for appliances that provide air circulation, such as a fan. It is also not suitable to sleep in front of the fan all the time, as constantly circulating the air causes the air to dry out. It is more appropriate to use air conditioners and fans at regular intervals.” he said.
“Staying in an air-conditioned environment for long periods can cause serious illnesses”
Referring to the health problems that may arise due to the use of air conditioning, Internal Medicine Specialist Prof. Dr. Aytaç Atamer said, “The cold air caused by the air conditioner creates a suitable environment for the reproduction of bacteria and viruses in the upper respiratory tract. Some bacteria can grow in air conditioners that are not maintained regularly. The most important of these is the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' epilomania. Although it is rare, it is a very serious and contagious disease.” said.
Pointing out that long-term exposure to air conditioners can cause tonsillitis, pharyngitis, cough, bronchitis and lung infection, Atamer concluded his words as follows:
“Especially elderly people with lung disease or COPD, smokers, people with diabetes should be extremely careful when using air conditioners. Air conditioner, which is a refreshing tool that makes our lives extremely comfortable when used in appropriate conditions and appropriately, can cause lung infections, serious legionnaires' lapyonamia, and sometimes very severe course if used irregularly. It can also predispose to widespread muscle aches, cramps and viral infections.”