- Specialists in Otorhinolaryngology and Logopedia of the health group Ribera warn about the effects of the main ally against heat, the pathologies it causes and how it influences our immune system and the timbre, loudness and quality of the voice
- They advise regulating the temperature, avoiding sleeping with the air and throat clearing, maintaining good humidity in the environment, cleaning the filters and hydrating properly
Valencia, August 14, 2023 – Air conditioning is at the origin of one in five viral processes that occur each summer. "Up to 20% of colds, laryngitis, pharyngitis and bronchitic processes at this time of year occur as a consequence of air conditioning", as explained by the head of the hospital's Otorhinolaryngology Service Ribera Povisa (Vigo), Dr. Roberto Valdés.
Dr. Lorena Sanz, head of the Otorhinolaryngology Service of the Torrejón Hospital, ensures that "temperature variations between closed spaces and the high temperatures of the street and the abuse of the use of air conditioners increase throat problems during the hottest months of the year." For her part, the neurologist from the Brain Injury Unit of the hospital Virgin of Charity River (Cartagena), Marta Romero, adds problems such as rhinitis, tonsillitis, cough and pneumonia associated with air conditioning, while the speech therapist of the Vinalopó University Hospital (Elche), Elena Gras, warns about her condition regarding the timbre, loudness and quality of the voice.
Almost half of the homes in Spain have air conditioning, a percentage that undoubtedly increases in the regions with the most extreme temperatures in summer and with more hot days per year, as well as if we refer to offices, official dependencies, health centers, means of transport and other public spaces. "Air conditioning decreases the humidity in the environment and dries out the throat, and misuse causes health problems," according to Marta Romero, while Dr. Valdes recalls that "the hotter the air, the more humidity it admits and the more amount of dust, germs or other types of organic substances accumulate on the filters”. That is why he insists on a periodic cleaning of the filters, because otherwise, irritation, inflammation or infection of the respiratory tract is favored.
Thus, the respiratory and immune systems are the main victims of the best antidote against heat: air conditioning. "The cold has an impact on the body's defenses and its ability to fight diseases," says the neurologist from Ribera Virgen de la Caridad, who explains that "viruses such as the common cold spread more easily through the body when the temperature is the nasal cavity is lower than that of the lungs, that is, about 36,5 degrees Celsius, normal body temperature.
Doctor Valdés is of the same opinion. “On the one hand, viruses can survive and reproduce more easily in dry, cold air, and on the other, compared to the heat, the cold at this time of year makes people spend more time indoors, making it easier for Viruses can spread in closed spaces ”, he assures. The head of Otorhinolaryngology at Ribera Povisa recalls, however, that although some laboratory research suggests that cold temperatures can make immune cells less effective, "it is the viruses that cause the diseases and not the air temperature."
How air affects the voice
Elena Gras, Vinalopó speech therapist, places special emphasis on how air conditioning affects the throat. “By breathing dry air, which is what air conditioning produces, the mucous membranes of the pharynx and larynx dry out. The discomfort of a dry pharynx produces excessive throat clearing and coughing, and this causes a sudden shock to the vocal cords, which can irritate them and alter the voice, ”she points out, especially the timbre and loudness. She also warns about sudden changes in temperature and her condition on her voice. “Going from the high temperatures of the outdoors to the cool environment of an air-conditioned interior can cause inflammation of the pharynx, which, in turn, produces an alteration in the quality of the voice,” she explains. The neurologist from Ribera Virgen de la Caridad, Marta Romero, thinks the same way. “The body has a natural temperature regulating system that depends on the balance between heat production and heat loss,” she says. For this reason, it is important to be in places with an adequate temperature "so that our throat does not suffer."
Tips to take care of health with air conditioning
- Regulate the air temperature so that it is suitable for the environment (around 24º).
- Avoid sleeping with the air conditioning on (or never at a temperature below 25-26°C).
- Maintain a good humidity in the environment (between 40% and 60).
- Clean the filters periodically to avoid the accumulation of pollen and mites.
- Hydrate properly. It is recommended to drink between 2 and 3 liters of water.
- Avoid clearing your throat. If your throat feels dry, drink water.
- Perform nasal washes to avoid breathing through the mouth.
- Limit direct exposure to air conditioning, especially air vents.
