Urban Disease: Air-Conditioning Syndrome

Recently, the temperature in Hong Kong has been fluctuating, but it has finally stabilized. However, many Hong Kong residents have already succumbed to turning on their air conditioners in April. Have you noticed that spending long hours in air-conditioned rooms at work and then returning home to blast the air conditioning in your room can lead to feelings of fatigue, lethargy, and even symptoms of nasal sensitivity and colds? This is not just a common cold but a condition known as "Air-Conditioning Syndrome."

"Air-Conditioning Syndrome," also known as "Air-Conditioning Syndrome," is a modern medical term referring to a range of discomfort symptoms that arise when a person spends extended periods of time in air-conditioned environments. Symptoms may include fatigue, lethargy, recurrent nasal sensitivity, or symptoms resembling a cold. Joint pain all over the body, especially in the neck and shoulders, can be particularly severe.

Whether in shopping malls or offices, the air conditioning system is often left running for long periods, and people frequently move in and out of places with significant temperature differences. Prolonged exposure to poorly ventilated air-conditioned environments can make individuals susceptible to the effects of cold air, leading to the development of "Air-Conditioning Syndrome." Interestingly, "Air-Conditioning Syndrome" has both Western and Eastern medical explanations, with symptoms often resembling those of a common cold. Why does "Air-Conditioning Syndrome" occur, and how can it be prevented or improved?

Western Medicine

From a Western medicine perspective, there are two main reasons for the occurrence of "Air-Conditioning Syndrome":

Firstly, low temperatures and significant temperature differences can trigger allergic symptoms in the body. Prolonged exposure to low temperatures can irritate the respiratory system, such as the nasal cavity and trachea, making individuals with potential allergic tendencies more prone to symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and coughing.

Moreover, spending long periods in cold environments can affect bodily functions. The body's microvasculature constricts in low-temperature settings, slowing down metabolism and impacting circulation and digestion, leading to feelings of fatigue and lethargy.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

From a TCM perspective, the occurrence of "Air-Conditioning Syndrome" is related to the concept of "Cold Pathogens" within the Six Pathogens.

The Six Pathogens originate from natural climates and include Wind, Cold, Summer-Heat, Dampness, Dryness, and Fire. When these six external factors excessively influence the body, they form pathogenic factors. Prolonged exposure to low temperatures in air-conditioned environments makes individuals susceptible to invasion by Cold Pathogens, depleting Yang energy and causing symptoms of wind-cold and muscle soreness.

"Air-Conditioning Syndrome" is also associated with Yin Summerheat in TCM. Sudden exposure to cold after being overheated in summer can lead to the accumulation of Yin Summerheat. When the body's pores are dilated due to high temperatures and then suddenly exposed to low temperatures, the pores contract, trapping internal heat and causing discomfort due to wind-cold effects.

Additionally, prolonged exposure to low temperatures while sedentary can lead to the accumulation of dampness, especially in individuals who prefer consuming raw and cold foods, exacerbating a damp constitution. However, the condition of the skin is the opposite, as air conditioning can cause dehydration of the skin's surface, resulting in dryness, itching, and other discomfort symptoms.

Air-Conditioning Unit

Due to the high population density in places like offices and public areas, if air conditioning units are not regularly cleaned, microbes and bacteria can easily breed, leading to the spread of pathogens in sealed spaces. Bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spores, mold, etc., can cause respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. Additionally, air conditioning units can harbor a large number of dust mites, triggering allergic reactions in the respiratory system, such as a runny nose, coughing, and even asthma.

Summary

4 Major Causes of Air-Conditioning Syndrome

1 Large temperature differences, poor body temperature regulation: Entering a cold room from a hot outdoor environment where the temperature drops by more than 5 degrees can cause the peripheral blood vessels to constrict, leading to increased blood pressure. If the cardiovascular system is not functioning well, or if the body cannot quickly adapt to the low temperature, it can easily lead to headaches, dizziness, and body aches.

2 Prolonged exposure to low temperatures: When the body remains still for a long time in a cold environment, blood circulation may deteriorate, resulting in headaches, neck and shoulder stiffness, and gastrointestinal discomfort. If cold air directly blows on the head or body, the symptoms can worsen.

3 Presence of pathogens, allergens: In a sealed air-conditioned room, due to poor air circulation, pathogens can easily spread indoors, and allergens like mold, dust, etc., cannot dissipate.

4 Dry air: Low humidity in air-conditioned rooms can cause dry skin, itching, and dry eyes.

Who is Prone to Air-Conditioning Syndrome?

· Individuals with sensitive constitutions

· Individuals with a damp constitution

· Sedentary individuals

· Elderly

· Middle-aged and elderly individuals

Individuals with poor blood circulation Methods to Reduce the Risk of Air-Conditioning Syndrome: Dispel cold (use ginger), remove dampness, improve blood circulation, etc.

Daily Tips for Preventing Air-Conditioning Syndrome

· Wear warm clothing, especially around the shoulders and neck.

· Avoid direct exposure to cold air; consider adding a windbreak to the air conditioning unit.

· Place a cup of water nearby to increase humidity and prevent excessive dryness of the skin.

· Wear a mask in an air-conditioned room to alleviate respiratory discomfort.

· Regularly clean the air conditioning filters.

· If coming from a hot place into an indoor area, avoid immediately turning on the air conditioning; allow the body to gradually cool down and acclimate to the cold air.