Recently, the temperature in Hong Kong has been fluctuating constantly, and it has only finally stabilized now. However, the temperatures in April have already made many Hong Kong residents unable to resist turning on the air conditioning. But have you noticed that after working long hours in air-conditioned offices, and then coming home to blast your own air conditioner, you gradually start feeling mentally exhausted, listless, and may even develop symptoms of nasal allergies and colds? This is not an ordinary cold, but a condition known as 'air conditioner sickness.'

'Air conditioner sickness,' also called 'air-conditioning syndrome,' is a phenomenon that has emerged in modern times. As the name suggests, it refers to a series of uncomfortable symptoms that arise when a person spends long periods in an air-conditioned environment. These symptoms include mental fatigue, lack of energy, recurring nasal allergies or cold-like symptoms, as well as body aches, especially in the neck and shoulder-back areas.

Whether in shopping malls or offices, air conditioning systems are usually running constantly, and people often move in and out of places with a large temperature difference between hot and cold. Spending long periods in airtight air-conditioned environments makes it easy to be affected by the cold air and develop 'air conditioner sickness.' It turns out there is a basis for 'air conditioner sickness' from both Chinese and Western medical perspectives, and the symptoms are similar to those of a cold. So why does 'air conditioner sickness' occur? How can it be prevented or alleviated?

Western Medicine

From the perspective of Western medicine, what is commonly referred to as "air conditioning sickness" actually has two causes:

First, low temperatures and large temperature differences can easily trigger allergic symptoms in the human body. Being in a low-temperature environment for a long time can stimulate the respiratory system, such as the nasal cavity and trachea. People with potential allergic constitutions who work in air-conditioned environments for extended periods are prone to symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and coughing.

Additionally, prolonged exposure to low temperatures can also affect the body's functions, as the microvessels in the body contract, metabolism slows down, and circulation and digestive functions are impacted, which leads to fatigue and lack of energy.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the occurrence of 'air conditioning disease' is related to the 'cold evil' among the Six Evils.

The Six Evils originate from natural climate, including wind, cold, heat, dampness, dryness, and warmth. When these six qi excessively affect the human body, they form pathogenic qi. Being in a low-temperature air-conditioned environment for a long time allows cold evil to easily invade the body, depleting yang qi and leading to wind-cold symptoms and muscle soreness.

'Air conditioning disease' is also related to yin-heat. TCM believes that suddenly being exposed to cold after heat in the summer can cause yin-heat. When the pores expand due to high temperature and one is suddenly in a low-temperature environment, the pores contract, making it difficult for internal heat to dissipate. At the same time, exposure to wind-cold causes physical discomfort.

Moreover, long-term exposure to a low-temperature environment and prolonged sedentary behavior can easily cause dampness accumulation. Consuming raw and cold foods can further aggravate damp evil invasion, forming a damp-heavy constitution. However, the skin condition is the opposite, as air conditioning can cause loss of moisture on the surface of the skin, leading to dryness, itching, and other discomforts.

Air Conditioner

Since offices and public places are densely populated, if air conditioners are not cleaned regularly, they can easily become breeding grounds for microorganisms and viruses, leading to the spread of pathogens in enclosed spaces. For example, bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus, and mold can cause respiratory or intestinal infections. Additionally, air conditioners can harbor large amounts of dust mites, triggering allergic reactions in the respiratory system, such as a runny nose, coughing, or even asthma.

Summary

Four Main Causes of "Air Conditioner Sickness"

1. Large temperature differences and poor body temperature regulation: Going from a hot outdoor environment to an air-conditioned room with a sudden temperature drop of more than 5 degrees causes blood vessels around the body to constrict, raising blood pressure. If cardiovascular function is poor or the body cannot quickly adapt to the low temperature, it can lead to headaches, dizziness, and body aches.

2. Staying in a cold environment for a long time: When the body remains still for a long period in a low-temperature environment, blood circulation worsens, causing headaches, shoulder and neck pain, and gastrointestinal discomfort. If cold air directly hits the head or body, the symptoms become more severe.

3. High levels of germs and allergens: In closed air-conditioned rooms, because the air does not circulate well, germs spread easily indoors, and mold, dust, and other allergens cannot be dispersed.

4. Dry air: The humidity in air-conditioned rooms is low, which can lead to dry skin, itching, and dry eyes.

Who Is Prone to "Air Conditioner Sickness"?

· People with sensitive constitutions
· People with damp constitutions
· People who sit for long periods
· Middle-aged and elderly individuals
· People with poor blood circulation

Methods to Reduce the Chances of Getting It: Dispel cold (using ginger), remove dampness, improve blood circulation, etc.

Daily Tips to Prevent "Air Conditioner Sickness"

· Wear more warm clothing, especially around the shoulders and neck
· Avoid direct exposure to cold air; it is recommended to add an air conditioner wind shield
· Place a cup of water nearby to increase humidity and prevent overly dry skin
· Wearing a mask in air-conditioned rooms can help relieve respiratory discomfort
· Regularly clean air conditioner filters
· If just coming from a hot place, avoid turning on the air conditioner immediately; let the body gradually cool down to adapt to it