What Should I Do If I Feel Uncomfortable After Using Air Conditioning?
Air conditioners have become an essential part of our daily lives, particularly during the hot summer months. While they effectively alleviate the heat, prolonged exposure to air-conditioned environments can lead to discomfort and even what is commonly referred to as "air-conditioning sickness." When experiencing discomfort from using an air conditioner, it is advisable to temporarily turn it off, open the windows for ventilation, and consume some plain water to alleviate symptoms.
1. Ventilate and Change Air: Feeling dizzy or nauseous after using an air conditioner could be due to the lack of fresh air in the room. Opening the windows for a period of time can allow fresh air to circulate.
2. Temporarily Leave the Air-Conditioned Room: If you feel uncomfortable after entering an air-conditioned room, it is recommended to step out for a while until you feel better.
3. Drink Some Plain Water: Discomfort in an air-conditioned room may also be caused by environmental effects on your blood circulation. Drinking plain water can help alleviate this discomfort.
4. Adjust the Air Conditioner Temperature: Feeling unwell in an air-conditioned room could be due to a significant temperature difference between indoors and outdoors. It is essential to adjust the air conditioner to a comfortable temperature and minimize the temperature gap.
5. Regularly Clean the Air Conditioner: Prolonged use of an unclean air conditioner can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, which can disperse throughout the room, causing discomfort. Regular cleaning is necessary.
6. Regular Exercise: If you do not engage in regular physical exercise, your body may be less resilient to temperature changes in air-conditioned environments. It is crucial to maintain a regular exercise routine to improve your overall physical fitness.
1. Regular Ventilation: It is advisable to ventilate air-conditioned rooms every 3-4 hours, with each ventilation lasting about half an hour. This can prevent air stagnation and the growth of bacteria, helping to prevent respiratory illnesses like pharyngitis and cough.
2. Avoid Direct Airflow: When using an air conditioner in summer, it is important not to point the airflow directly at yourself. This can lead to a rapid decrease in skin temperature, rapid constriction of pores, and poor heat dissipation, which can cause symptoms like chest tightness, nausea, joint pain, and general body aches.
3. Set an Appropriate Temperature: It is not advisable to set the air conditioner too low in summer to avoid catching a cold. A recommended setting is around 24 degrees Celsius, with the indoor temperature maintained at around 27 degrees Celsius.
4. Avoid Catching a Chill: When using an air conditioner in summer, it is advisable to wear a thin jacket or cover your legs when feeling chilly to prevent catching a chill. Ensure to cover up properly when sleeping at night.
5. Regularly Clean the Air Filter: If the air filter of an air conditioner is not cleaned regularly, it can accumulate bacteria and dust mites, which can easily trigger health issues. It is recommended to clean the air filter twice a year, especially after a long period of not using the air conditioner.
6. Stay Hydrated: When using an air conditioner, it is essential to drink plenty of warm water. The cooling process of the air conditioner removes some moisture from the air, making the indoor air drier. Drinking water can help mitigate the adverse effects of dry air.
7. Use a Humidifier: To prevent coughing due to dry air in an air-conditioned room, consider using a humidifier. This device can directly increase the humidity in the room, alleviating issues like dry throat and coughing caused by dry air. However, it is unnecessary to keep the humidifier running continuously. Ideally, the relative humidity should be maintained at around 40% to 50% when the indoor temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius, which can help maintain good physical and mental states for work and rest.
8. Avoid Staying in Air-Conditioned Rooms for Extended Periods: If you spend long hours in an air-conditioned environment for work or study, it is advisable to take breaks every half hour or forty minutes to walk outside and expose yourself to some sunlight. This can help disperse body chills and improve blood circulation.