The Dangers Of Ordinary Drafts And Air Conditioners

Air conditioners, open windows, and even a cool, pleasant summer breeze can lead to months of challenging treatment. Summer drafts can attack our muscles and nerves just as insidiously as stealthy viruses. In the heat, enjoying a flow of pleasant coolness, we relax and forget about the dangers of overcooling.

It’s hard to predict exactly what will happen in each case of exposure to drafts, but AdmiGram.com will explore all the potential dangers of summer coolness. Let’s take simple precautions to ensure no illnesses mar our lives!

The dangers of ordinary drafts and air conditioners

The seriousness of the risks posed by drafts and air conditioners

In the modern world, we all strive for comfort, but sometimes forget that this comfort can hide serious threats to our health. What risks does a pleasant cool breeze pose?

Myositis. The simplest illness caused by a cool breeze in the heat is known as myositis, or commonly, “I can’t turn my neck.” Myositis is an inflammation of the muscles that can occur due to sudden cooling, such as from an air conditioner or a draft. Symptoms include muscle pain, especially when moving, weakness, and swelling. Imagine sitting in an office under an air conditioner with cold air constantly blowing on you – these are ideal conditions for developing myositis.
Cervical Radiculitis. Cervical radiculitis is an inflammation of the nerve roots in the cervical spine. Symptoms include sharp neck pain that can radiate to the shoulder and arm, numbness, and muscle weakness. Cervical radiculitis often occurs in those who spend a lot of time under an air conditioner or sit in a draft by an open window.
Intercostal Neuralgia. Intercostal neuralgia is characterized by sharp pain in the rib area that worsens with movement, coughing, or even breathing. The cause can be sudden chest cooling, for example, from an air conditioner in a car or at home. Sudden cold air causes muscle spasms, leading to pain and discomfort.
Facial Nerve Inflammation. Facial nerve inflammation (neuritis) can occur due to facial overcooling from an air conditioner or draft. Symptoms include pain, paralysis or muscle weakness, and difficulty speaking and eating. You might catch this illness while sitting at work near a constantly open window or in a car with the air conditioner aimed directly at your face.
Trigeminal Neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by severe facial pain that can be triggered by cold air from an air conditioner or draft. The pain can be so intense that it becomes difficult to talk, chew, or even move facial muscles.

How to prevent “cold air” illnesses

Don’t rely on having a strong immune system or thinking you won’t be affected. It’s better to prevent illness than to spend time, money, and energy treating the consequences of the “invigorating summer coolness.” Let’s figure out how to stay cool in the summer without compromising our health.

At work:

Move your workspace: If your desk is directly under the air conditioner or opposite an open window, try to move to a different spot.
Use a screen or barrier: Set up a screen or barrier to prevent cold air from blowing directly on you.
Dress accordingly: Even in the summer, keep some warm clothing or a shawl handy to cover up if it gets too cool.

In the car:

Adjust the air conditioner: Don’t direct the cold air stream straight at yourself. Adjust the air conditioner to distribute air evenly throughout the car.
Avoid open windows at high speeds: This creates strong drafts that can cause overcooling.

At home:

Avoid direct airflow: Position the air conditioner or fan so that air circulates around the room rather than blowing directly on you.
Regulate the temperature: Don’t set the air conditioner to too low a temperature. Maintain a comfortable and safe temperature.

What to do if you get chilled?

If the illness is not chronic or if you are in the early stages, here’s how you can help yourself if you can’t turn your neck or have back pain:

Myositis:

Warm compresses: Apply a warm compress to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
Massage: Light massage with warming ointments can help relieve tension and pain.

Cervical Radiculitis:

Neck collar: Wear a neck collar to stabilize the neck and reduce pain.
Hot baths: Hot baths with sea salt or essential oils can relieve tension in the neck muscles.

Intercostal Neuralgia:

Local heat: Apply a warm heating pad or a warming patch to the rib area.
Rubdowns: Use warming ointments to rub the affected area.

Facial Nerve Inflammation:

Wrapping: Wrap your face with a warm scarf, especially when outdoors or in air-conditioned environments.
Physiotherapy: Gentle exercises for facial muscles and massage can help restore nerve function.

Trigeminal Neuralgia:

Warm compresses: Apply warm compresses to the painful areas of the face.
Special exercises: Gentle exercises for facial muscles can improve blood circulation and reduce pain.

Take care of yourself and your health!

image on top: averie woodard / Unsplash