Indispensable for many during the summer, especially for those who work in office buildings without ventilation, the air conditioner can endanger health.

The transition from low and dry temperatures inside to much higher and sometimes humid temperatures outside produces cardiac, endocrine and respiratory disorders in the body with a feeling of dizziness, suffocation, heavy extremities and even fainting states in the elderly.

Prolonged exposure to dry and cold air leads to drying of the mucous membranes, causing inflammation of the throat, nose, ears, eyes, hair and skin.

The use of air conditioners at very low temperatures supports joint and sinus inflammation, blood stasis and peripheral circulatory deficits, resulting in: joint pain, headaches, neck and back pain, cold and painful lower limbs, painful muscle contractions.

Failure to clean the devices and especially the filters causes them to fill with dust maintaining allergic rhinitis, viruses and bacteria, the best known being Legionaella, which can cause respiratory infections with flu symptoms.

To combat the unwanted effects caused by the use of air conditioners, we recommend that you:

  • Try to use air conditioners as little as possible.
  • Avoid standing next to them,.
  • Cover your body with thin, loose clothing made of natural materials.
  • Set a temperature as close as possible to that outside.
  • Clean the filters with water and the device with a damp cloth quarterly.
  • Avoid prolonged fixed positions – walk around the building and even get outside 5 minutes an hour.
  • Exercise – go for a walk, exercise or work out at your desk.
  • A short massage break at the office – it warms your body, relaxes you and improves your blood circulation, and by using creams and oils, it rehydrates your skin.
  • Lymphatic drainage – lymphatic drainage massage is especially useful for those who have cold and swollen extremities.
  • Reflexotherapy – office reflexology sessions help relax your legs, improve peripheral circulation and increase vitality.
  • Correct hydration – don’t forget to drink enough water, regularly, not cold but at room temperature.

Hannemaria Strete – physiotherapist