8 precautions against air conditioning-related illnesses

With the arrival of summer, people are using air conditioners to cool off. However, unconscious use of air conditioning can be dangerous. Chest Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Gülcihan Özkan stated that improper use of air conditioners can cause various lung infections and listed important rules to follow when using air conditioning.

Prof. Dr. Özkan summarizes the main illnesses that can be caused by the unconscious use of air conditioners as follows:

Cold and Flu: Improper use of air conditioners can lead to cold and flu symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, headache, and fever. Since these infections are contagious, the air conditioner can spread the illness to other people in the same environment.

Air Conditioning Pneumonia (Legionnaires' Disease): Air conditioning pneumonia, caused by the Legionella pneumophila bacterium, can manifest with symptoms such as high fever, headache, nausea, and diarrhea. This disease, which can lead to respiratory failure and septic shock if left untreated, can cause serious health problems.

Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions caused by air conditioning can manifest with symptoms such as itching in the eyes and nose, sneezing, skin rashes, and throat irritation. If left untreated, these reactions can turn into chronic diseases such as eczema and asthma.

Acute Bronchitis: Improper use of air conditioning can cause acute bronchitis, which presents with fever, wheezing, and a phlegmy cough. This condition requires medical treatment, and treatment recommendations include consuming plenty of fluids, bronchodilators, and the use of antibiotics if necessary.

Prof. Dr. Gülcihan Özkan lists 8 important precautions to take when using air conditioning as follows:

Care should be taken to keep the temperature setting between 23-24 degrees.

Sudden temperature changes should be avoided.

The air conditioner should not blow directly onto people.

The humidity level of the room should be between 40-60 percent.

Filters should be changed regularly.

Instead of running the air conditioner continuously, it should be turned on and off periodically.

Windows should be opened occasionally to allow outside air to enter.

Disinfectants and scented cleaners should not be used when cleaning the air conditioner.

With these precautions, health problems that may arise during the use of air conditioning can be prevented, and it may be possible to spend the summer months in a healthier way.