Air Conditioning Sickness Symptoms, Causes, Treatments | Legionnaires' Disease

Air Conditioning Sickness Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Legionnaires' Disease

I recently suffered from air-conditioning sickness, and it wasn’t easy to deal with. So today, I’d like to share my experience in hopes that it might help those of you reading this.

First of all, air-conditioning sickness refers to a set of symptoms caused by excessive use of air conditioners during the summer. Common symptoms include headaches, body aches, diarrhea, and fever. In this post, I’ll share in detail how I managed and treated these symptoms.

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[Table of Contents]

1. What Is Air Conditioning Sickness?
2. Causes of Air Conditioning Sickness
3. Symptoms of Air Conditioning Sickness
4. Treatment Methods
5. What Department Should You Visit at the Hospital?
6. Legionnaires' Disease: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
7. My Personal Experience with Air Conditioning Sickness and Legionnaires' Disease
8. Prevention Tips
9. Final Thoughts

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1. What Is Air Conditioning Sickness?

Air conditioning sickness, often referred to as “summer flu,” is a condition that can develop from prolonged exposure to cold air in the summer, especially in environments with drastic indoor and outdoor temperature differences. Common symptoms include headaches, chills, fatigue, digestive issues, and mild fever. In some cases, it may also involve exposure to bacteria like Legionella, which can lead to serious health concerns.

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2. Causes of Air Conditioning Sickness

Indoor-Outdoor Temperature Imbalance

When it’s hot and humid outside, people tend to lower the indoor temperature significantly. Continuous exposure to cold air, especially when it directly hits the body, can constrict blood vessels and throw the autonomic nervous system off balance. This can ultimately weaken your immune system, leading to air conditioning-related symptoms.

Legionnaires' Disease (Legionella Infection)

Air conditioning systems can harbor bacteria if not properly cleaned. One such bacterium is Legionella, which thrives in cooling systems and can spread throughout entire buildings via shared ventilation. People with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable. Regular filter cleaning, system inspections, and allowing water to run for a few seconds before use (especially in showers or sinks) can help prevent this infection.

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3. Symptoms of Air Conditioning Sickness

Respiratory Symptoms

Runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing

Sore throat, chills, mild fever

Headaches, dizziness, fatigue

Digestive Symptoms

Indigestion, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea

Exacerbation of Chronic Illnesses

Worsening symptoms for individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart/lung issues

Additional Symptoms in Women

Menstrual cramps and irregular periods

Air conditioning sickness

4. Treatment Methods

Environmental Adjustments

Ventilation: Open windows for about 10 minutes after using the AC for an hour.

Humidity Control: Use a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity at around 50%.

Temperature Control: Keep the indoor-outdoor temperature difference within 5–6°C (around 10°F).

Lifestyle Habits

Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.

Rest: Get adequate rest if symptoms worsen.

Clothing: Wear light layers like a cardigan to protect against cold drafts.

Medication

Pain Relievers: Use over-the-counter painkillers for severe headaches or body aches.

Medical Attention: Visit a doctor if symptoms persist or become severe.

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5. What Department Should You Visit at the Hospital?

If you're experiencing air conditioning sickness symptoms, visiting a family medicine or pulmonology (respiratory) clinic is recommended.

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6. Legionnaires’ Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

Legionnaires’ disease can be hard to distinguish from other respiratory illnesses. In my case, chest X-rays were inconclusive. I was eventually diagnosed through a urinary antigen test, which confirmed Legionella infection.

Treatment

Since I didn’t have pneumonia, my symptoms resembled Pontiac fever—a milder form of Legionnaires’ disease. I was treated with antibiotics and pain relief for throat inflammation, which helped me recover steadily.

Legionnaires disease

7. My Personal Experience with Air Conditioning Sickness and Legionnaires' Disease

Cause

I experienced this illness after frequent exposure to cold air due to high AC use during hot, humid days. One of the large buildings I visited turned out to be the source of Legionella contamination.

Symptoms

My symptoms started with mild fever and gradually progressed to high fever, headache, chills, sore throat, and eventually diarrhea.

Recovery Process

I adjusted my environment by keeping the indoor temperature within 5°C (10°F) of the outside, and used both a humidifier and dehumidifier to balance the air. I drank warm teas like ginger and citron and focused on eating warm soups instead of cold foods. This approach, combined with medical treatment, helped improve my condition significantly.

Treatment

After receiving a diagnosis from a respiratory specialist, I was prescribed antibiotics and pain relievers. With environmental changes and proper medication, symptoms like fever, body aches, and digestive issues subsided.

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8. Prevention Tips

Ventilate Regularly: Open windows periodically when using the air conditioner.

Clean Your AC: Regularly clean the unit and change the air filters.

Maintain Optimal Indoor Temperature: Keep it between 72–78°F (22–26°C).

Boost Your Immune System: Maintain a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and a balanced routine.

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9. Final Thoughts

Air conditioning sickness and Legionnaires' disease can present with a range of symptoms, but they are both manageable and preventable with the right habits. The key lies in preventive care—keeping your AC clean, maintaining a healthy indoor environment, and paying attention to your body’s signals. I hope sharing my experience helps you stay healthy and cool this summer.

Stay well, and enjoy a safe, refreshing season!

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