Jakarta (ANTARA) - Air conditioners are often relied upon to provide\ncool air during the summer months. However, excessive use of air\nconditioning carries the risk of triggering health problems.<\/p>\n
As reported by Hindustan Times on Sunday, Dr.\u00a0Divya Gopal, Director\nof Internal Medicine at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, stated\nthat cold air from air conditioners can trigger symptoms similar to\nsummer flu.<\/p>\n
According to her, sudden temperature changes can affect the\nrespiratory system. She explained that problems arise when the body\nconstantly moves between two extreme temperatures, for example, when the\noutdoor temperature approaches 40 degrees Celsius while the indoor\ntemperature is around 20 degrees Celsius.<\/p>\n
A series of changes occur as the body continuously moves between\nextreme temperatures, such as going from an air-conditioned room to the\nhot outside air or even entering a warmer area of the house, like the\nkitchen without air conditioning.<\/p>\n
This condition causes the nose to swell, producing mucus, and causing\nsymptoms such as a runny nose or nasal congestion, even though there is\nno infection.<\/p>\n
According to her, the body needs gradual adjustment, so it has\ndifficulty coping with frequent temperature changes. These \u2018temperature\nshocks\u2019 can lead to symptoms resembling the common cold.<\/p>\n
Dr.\u00a0Gopal stated that humidity levels in indoor environments should\nbe between 40 and 60 percent. If air conditioning is used for too long,\nhumidity can drop to 20 to 30 percent.<\/p>\n
\u201cDry air causes the mucous membrane in the nose to dry out, making it\nweaker and less able to trap viruses or pollutants,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Therefore, many people find that symptoms such as nasal congestion, a\ndry throat, and \u2018summer flu\u2019 decrease after moving to a more humid\nenvironment.<\/p>\n
The condition of the air conditioner can also be a cause of recurring\n\u2018summer flu\u2019 symptoms. Dr.\u00a0Gopal reminded the importance of regularly\ncleaning air conditioning filters.<\/p>\n
If not cleaned, the filter can become filled with dust, pollen, mold,\nand bacteria, which then circulate in the air that is inhaled.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, Dr.\u00a0Gopal emphasized that during the summer, the\ntemperature difference between the outside and inside should be within a\nrange of 8 to 10 degrees Celsius.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the temperature outside reaches 40\u00b0C, you can first set the air\nconditioner to 28 or 30\u00b0C. After that, gradually lower it to 24 or 26\u00b0C\nso that the body can adjust without putting too much pressure on the\nrespiratory system,\u201d explained Dr.\u00a0Gopal regarding safer temperature\nsettings for the body.<\/p>\n
If \u2018summer flu\u2019 symptoms persist for more than a week, especially\naccompanied by fever or body aches, it is advisable to consult a doctor\nimmediately.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/recommended-air-conditioning-temperature-settings-during-summer-1780692792", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }