The harm of using air conditioning in winter

When the weather is hot in summer, we turn on the air conditioner, which makes everyone feel very cool and comfortable. In addition to its cooling function, air conditioners can also be used for heating, so many people turn on air conditioners for heating in winter. In fact, using air conditioning in winter is harmful to people's health. So, what are the dangers of using air conditioning in winter?

The three most common hazards of air conditioning:

1. The respiratory tract is the most "vulnerable"

Misconception: Many families are afraid of catching a cold from using the air-conditioning too much, so they turn on the air-conditioner and cover themselves with a thick quilt when they sleep at night, thinking that this will prevent air-conditioning disease. In fact, the respiratory tract is the most vulnerable, and covering yourself with a quilt can only keep you warm but not prevent disease. Although household air conditioners are not suitable for the growth of Legionella and will not cause pneumonia, the cold air enters the human body through the respiratory tract, causing dry mouth and nose when you wake up, and you will still have cold symptoms. Therefore, it is sometimes difficult to prevent cold air from invading the respiratory tract.

Susceptible groups: People who frequently go in and out of air-conditioned rooms; people with chronic diseases or low immunity, such as the elderly and children, especially patients receiving hormone drug treatment and smokers.

Tips: If you frequently go in and out of air-conditioned rooms, there must be a temperature transition, such as raising the temperature or turning off the air conditioner first, and be sure to wipe off the sweat when entering the room. If you stay in an air-conditioned room for a long time, try to drink more water and mop the floor frequently with a mop soaked in water to keep it moist. If you have cold symptoms, go to the hospital immediately to avoid worsening of the condition and cross-infection.

2. Brain nerves will be unbalanced

Misconception: People who often sit in air-conditioned rooms may say things like, "I feel dizzy, I see stars, and I tend to forget things." This is a common brain nerve imbalance reaction caused by air-conditioning disease. Some people turn on the air conditioner at home all day long, or come into the house sweating profusely and set the temperature very low. Some people even run under the air conditioner to blow it directly, just for a momentary pleasure. However, they do not know that when blowing directly, the air flow rate will increase, the temperature will drop suddenly by 3℃-4℃, and they will feel dizzy. Moreover, the sudden cold air can easily cause irritation, causing the pores to suddenly shrink and leading to headaches and dizziness.

Susceptible groups: People who work or study in offices or buildings under central air conditioning for a long time; people with brain and nervous system diseases such as migraines; young men; obese people who are afraid of heat and drivers.

Tips: Try to avoid staying in an air-conditioned room for a long time. If conditions permit, it is best to keep the room temperature constant at around 24°C. If the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor is more than 7°C, open windows frequently to ensure indoor and outdoor air convection. It is best to turn off the air conditioner for 1-3 hours and open the window to breathe fresh air. Natural cool air is best. If conditions do not permit, it is best to go to the outdoor corridor or other places with windows to get some fresh air every hour, especially during lunch breaks. The most important thing is not to go directly under the air conditioner just because it is hot. If you feel dizzy or blurred vision, be sure to leave the air-conditioned room and breathe fresh air.

3. Joints and stomach are susceptible to cold

Misconception: Many people are unaware of the harm caused by long-term use of air conditioning, especially the young and strong. Little do people know that cold air can cause great damage to the joints. If you don’t keep warm, you’re likely to suffer from arthritis as you age, which will then be difficult to treat.

Susceptible groups: young women who work or study in air-conditioned environments for a long time; elderly people or underdeveloped children with poor resistance, weak constitution, and osteoporosis.

Tips: For those who work in offices for a long time, especially those who often sit at work, it is a good idea to prepare a set of long-sleeved and long-trousers clothes in the company, especially for young women. It is best to protect the knee joints with a towel or thick clothes. At the same time, stand up and move around every once in a while to improve peripheral blood circulation. If there are elderly people or children at home, do not set the air conditioner temperature too low, and turn it off every half an hour to an hour, or try to use natural air cooling.

Although air conditioning can cause so many harms, it is indeed indispensable in our lives. So how can we use it to keep healthy and cool?

First of all, the air-conditioning temperature should not be too low: it is generally appropriate to control it at around 25-26 degrees, and it is best if the indoor temperature is 3-5 degrees lower than the outdoor temperature. At the same time, pay attention to adding or removing clothes at any time. When sleeping at night, cover yourself with a thin quilt or towel, especially for women, pay special attention to covering your lower abdomen.

Drink more boiled water appropriately: You can boil water with honeysuckle, chrysanthemum, etc. and drink it as tea to clear away heat and detoxify.

Limit the time of air conditioning: Even if the weather is very hot, do not turn on the air conditioner all day long, and do not let it blow directly at you.

Pay attention to keeping the air in the room fresh: ventilate the room regularly, at least once in the morning and evening, each time for 15-30 minutes.

Avoid smoking in air-conditioned rooms: Even if the air conditioner is on, it is best to open the window a little to allow air circulation.