Summer health risks: Are AC units making you sick?
Even during the warm season, respiratory infections persist. According to the National Prehospital Emergency Medical Service, there were over 1,600 related calls last week.
The situation can be explained by a combination of factors: favorable conditions for viruses to multiply and the increase in travel, both domestically and internationally. There's also an increased risk of pneumonia due to the incorrect use of air conditioners.
The "Chiril Draganiuc" Institute of Phthisiopneumology in Chișinău receives around 10 requests daily regarding respiratory infections. Patients present with symptoms of specific illnesses such as sinusitis, rhinitis, or bronchitis. According to specialists, the incidence of tonsillitis and pharyngitis is on the rise, especially due to drinking cold liquids straight from the fridge.
"In addition, one or two patients with bacterial pneumonia are hospitalized weekly. This is caused by the overcooling of the body—either from excessive exposure to air conditioning or from not following basic cold prevention rules," says Aliona David, a pulmonologist.
She also says that the most vulnerable to these risks are the elderly, children, and people with chronic illnesses.
Aliona David recommends that rooms with air conditioning be ventilated frequently, the temperature be maintained between 21 and 25 degrees Celsius, and the relative humidity between 60–70%. The unit should also be cleaned and disinfected with antifungal and antibacterial solutions purchased from reliable sources, and the filters should be sanitized once every one to two months.
Exposure to air conditioning can frequently cause respiratory illnesses. In isolated cases, this can lead to a form of pneumonia which, without proper treatment, can leave lasting damage and even be fatal.
In rarer cases, using air conditioning can cause cold urticaria—a skin reaction that can lead to anaphylactic shock, a severe medical emergency.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
