The prolonged hot weather has led to a surge in the use of air conditioners in daily life. After spending time outdoors in the sweltering heat, the body is often tired, dehydrated, and tends to seek out cool spaces to cool down.
However, the rapid temperature change between the outside environment and an enclosed room can cause noticeable discomfort. Some people may experience mild dizziness, a dry throat, or nasal congestion immediately after entering a cold room, according to NDTV (India).
Sudden temperature changes put stress on the body.
Dr. Basavaraj S Kumbar, an internal medicine physician at Aster Whitefield Hospital (India), said that moving from a hot environment to a cold room "overloads" the body's thermoregulation system. Cooling down too quickly can cause headaches, nasal congestion, and throat irritation, and may even worsen asthma or sinusitis.
He also emphasized that the body needs time to adapt. Sudden temperature changes can put strain on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Experts recommend standing in the shade or a cool area for a few minutes before entering an air-conditioned room.
Illustration: PH created from GM
A few minutes of buffer time helps the body adapt better.
Experts recommend standing in a shady or cool area for a few minutes before entering an air-conditioned room. This helps the body gradually reduce sweating, prevents sudden vasoconstriction, and reduces the risk of headaches and discomfort.
According to Dr. Kumbar, gradually changing the temperature helps the body adapt better and reduces the risk of "heat shock".
In addition, drinking enough water is also very important. Hot weather easily causes dehydration, reducing the body's ability to adapt when transitioning to a cold environment.
Dry air from air conditioners can irritate the respiratory system.
Dr. Nilesh Sonawane, a respiratory physician at Apollo Clinic (India), said that prolonged use of air conditioning can cause sore throats and dry coughs. The main cause is the dry air, not an infection.
Air conditioners reduce the humidity in a room, causing the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract to dry out. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also states that low-humidity environments can easily irritate the respiratory tract.
Use air conditioners correctly to protect your health.
Extremely low temperatures can increase the risk of dryness and irritation. The ideal temperature should be maintained between 24-26°C. Avoid direct exposure to cold drafts, especially for those with asthma.
In addition, air conditioner filters, if not cleaned regularly, can accumulate dust and bacteria, reducing the air quality in the room. Regular cleaning will help reduce these risks and better protect your health.