In the midst of the intense heat wave that is passing through much of Argentina, using air conditioning is the most effective and comfortable way to alleviate the impact of high temperatures. However, spending many hours in an environment with this device can cause severe sore throats. Given this, specialists explain why it usually happens and how it can be avoided naturally.
Air conditioning, fan and air conditioning: how much each one consumes
Although sore throat (pharyngitis) is usually caused by the cold or flu virus, health professionals recognize that being in artificially heated environments can cause it to appear when you least expect it. In this context, to avoid this type of pain, you must take some precautions and be careful with the use of the equipment.
Sore throat from air conditioning: this is how you can avoid it naturally
Air conditioning, despite its undeniable benefits, can be a trigger for throat problems because the dryness of the environment it creates can cause irritation and dryness in the pharyngeal mucosa, and cause discomfort ranging from itching to acute pain.
One of the main factors that can cause this type of pharyngitis is the operation of the air conditioning itself, which eliminates humidity from the environment. The Spanish portal “I choose to take care of myself” explains that the lack of humidity “generates an annoying dryness in the mucous membranes of the throat and upper respiratory tract that causes the throat to suffer irritation and discomfort such as itching, pain and even difficulties swallowing.”
It is important to clean the air filter often. Photo: launión.digital
Another factor to take into account is prolonged exposure to a very cold environment, something that can occur if the person works in a heated office for several hours. “Surrounded by very cold, the muscles contract, so those that make up the throat can be contracted for a long time and this can translate into sore throat and discomfort,” explains the site.
When leaving the air-conditioned area, it is advisable to avoid sudden changes in temperature. In summer, it is common to go from an environment that is 24° to another with a temperature of 30° C or more and from dryness to humidity. These changes can irritate the airways and cause throat discomfort.
If you use the air conditioning at home, it is advisable to always keep the filters clean because otherwise they accumulate dust, allergens or unwanted particles that end up irritating the throat.
If you are exposed to air conditioning in the office or college, hydration emerges as a fundamental pillar in the prevention of sore throat associated with air conditioning. Adequate levels of humidity must be maintained in the throat to counteract the dryness induced by the air conditioning system.
