Under the scorching summer sun, air conditioning has become an indispensable summer artifact in many families. It brings not only a cool breeze, but also a hint of solace in the heat. However, while we are immersed in the comfort brought by modern technology, some of us are starting to feel discomfort – nasal congestion, itchy throats, and even incessant sneezing. This phenomenon, especially among middle-aged and elderly people, not only occurs frequently, but also seems to have a recurrent trend. Could it be that it's just the cold wind of the air conditioner that's at work?
Thought-provokingly, there may be some hidden factors behind this that we don't usually notice. Nose dryness and discomfort caused by direct air conditioning may be just the tip of the iceberg. Environmental changes, lifestyle habits, and even an individual's constitution may be potential factors for this set of symptoms. And these factors, combined with the body, eventually manifest as a reverse rhinitis symptom.
In the summer, when the temperature is gradually rising, air conditioning has become the preferred tool to escape the heat. However, it was not all about coolness and comfort, and a series of health problems crept in, unofficially known as "air conditioning disease". This phenomenon is especially prominent among middle-aged and elderly people who have been in an air-conditioned environment for a long time. They may experience continuous nasal congestion, recurrent sneezing, or even a persistent runny nose. The reason for this is that the air conditioner not only changes the temperature in the room, but also reduces the humidity of the air, and this dry environment directly affects the normal function of the nasal mucosa. As the first line of defense of the human body, the nasal mucosa's ability to moisturize and clean is greatly reduced in a dry environment, making the nasal cavity vulnerable to pathogens.
The nasal mucosa plays an important role in the body's defense system。Not only is it able to filter impurities from the inhaled air, but it also captures and excludes pathogens by secreting mucus. However, in the indoor environment where the air conditioner is in operation for a long time, the humidity in the air is greatly reduced, which directly destroys the natural state of the nasal mucosa. As an oasis in the desert gradually depletes, the moist layer of the nasal mucosa becomes weaker, and its self-cleaning and defensive function declines. This war between environment and physiology, although it is not visible, has a lasting impact on the health of the nasal cavity. The dry air makes the cells on the surface of the mucosa fragile and susceptible to pathogenic microorganisms, which can trigger or aggravate the symptoms of rhinitis.
Although there is a clear association between the use of air conditioning and the exacerbation of rhinitis symptoms, the causes of rhinitis are multifaceted. In addition to environmental factors, genetic predisposition, the state of the immune system, and even daily eating habits may play a role in rhinitis。For example, excessive intake of spicy foods, prolonged exposure to polluted air, irritation from allergens, etc., can all be factors that trigger rhinitis. This means that focusing solely on the use of air conditioning and ignoring the overall adjustment of lifestyle will not effectively control the symptoms of rhinitis. Therefore, a comprehensive perspective is needed for recurrent rhinitis problems to manage and prevent rhinitis attacks more effectively.
For nasal discomfort and rhinitis caused by air conditioning, it is important to take reasonable precautions and countermeasures. First of all, adjust the temperature settings of the air conditioner to avoid excessive temperature difference between indoor and outdoor, and use a humidifier to maintain the appropriate humidity in the room, so as to reduce the adverse effects on the nasal mucosa. Secondly, clean the air conditioner filter regularly to reduce the allergens and pollutants that may be contained in the air blown by the air conditioner. In addition, strengthening one's immunity is also key to preventing rhinitis, including maintaining a balanced diet, exercising, getting enough sleep, and managing personal stress. Through these comprehensive measures, it aims to provide a healthier and more comfortable living environment for the middle-aged and elderly population, and reduce the negative impact of air conditioning on rhinitis symptoms.