Despite being just mid-June, the sweltering summer has already begun. This year, the heat has arrived earlier than usual. With record-breaking temperatures expected this summer, the number of patients suffering from air conditioning sickness is predicted to increase significantly.
Air conditioning sickness, despite its name, is not a medically defined disease. It’s a kind of syndrome that manifests various symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, lethargy, indigestion, and neuralgia when staying indoors for extended periods.
Kim Ji Hye, a professor of family medicine at Severance Hospital, explains, “We can refer to all the physical symptoms that occur when staying in air-conditioned offices or homes for extended periods as air conditioning sickness. Although it’s not a professional medical term and there are no specific diagnostic criteria, it can explain various symptoms without apparent reasons.” According to Kim, air conditioning sickness has three leading causes.
First, a significant temperature difference exists between the air-conditioned indoor and outside environments. “Our bodies continually adapt to overcome this temperature difference, and in this process, the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating body temperature, can become fatigued and functionally impaired, leading to various symptoms,” she explained.
The second cause is polluted air circulating in enclosed spaces. Polluted air contains fine dust particles that can irritate sensitive skin, mucous membranes, and the respiratory system, especially in a low-humidity environment.
The third cause is direct exposure to cold temperatures.
“Some people have allergic reactions to low temperatures if they are directly exposed to air conditioning for extended periods,” said Kim. “Also, peripheral blood vessels can contract, leading to circulatory problems and symptoms like lethargy, cold hands and feet, and muscle cramps.”
Maintaining an appropriate indoor temperature is crucial to preventing air conditioning sickness, which can cause various symptoms.
The optimal indoor temperature during summer is between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius (71.6 – 78.8 degrees Fahrenheit), and it’s best to adjust the direction of the wind so it doesn’t directly hit the body. It’s also important to ventilate the room for 5-10 minutes after running the air conditioner for about 2 hours.
Kim advised that mild symptoms of air conditioning sickness can be managed by reducing air conditioning, staying hydrated, and ensuring adequate rest. She added that seeking medical consultation for symptomatic treatment would be best if the symptoms are severe enough to disrupt daily life.
“If you have a high fever of over 38 degrees Celsius, persistent cough, or muscle pain, you should visit a hospital to rule out other diseases. Maintaining a protein-rich diet and engaging in regular exercise that does not cause fatigue can strengthen the autonomic nervous system and help you stay healthy during the summer,” she added.