[The Fantasist]

Does anyone else get flu like symptoms from spending too long in an air conditioned space? If I spend too long in an area I get a runny nose,sneeze,heavy breathing and generally feel like shit and need days to recover. I'm ok on short flights or in clubs etc. because I'm in and out but soon I'm starting a job which will require me to be in an air conditioned space eight hours a day which is going to mess me up.

Does anyone else get this and also has anyone who does found a way to control it?

[rawhide]

(09-13-2012 07:08 AM)Vorkuta Wrote:  

Does anyone else get flu like symptoms from spending too long in an air conditioned space? If I spend too long in an area I get a runny nose,sneeze,heavy breathing and generally feel like shit and need days to recover. I'm ok on short flights or in clubs etc. because I'm in and out but soon I'm starting a job which will require me to be in an air conditioned space eight hours a day which is going to mess me up.

Does anyone else get this and also has anyone who does found a way to control it?

It could be something as simple as an allergic reaction, but I would go to a doctor and have a liver panel run, including serum albumin, CBC (complete blood count), and electrolytes, just to rule out an underlying health issue. [not a doctor]

[Duke Castile]

(09-13-2012 07:08 AM)Vorkuta Wrote:  

Does anyone else get flu like symptoms from spending too long in an air conditioned space? If I spend too long in an area I get a runny nose,sneeze,heavy breathing and generally feel like shit and need days to recover. I'm ok on short flights or in clubs etc. because I'm in and out but soon I'm starting a job which will require me to be in an air conditioned space eight hours a day which is going to mess me up.

Does anyone else get this and also has anyone who does found a way to control it?

There was a point where my immune system was so shot, if I walked into a casino for more than an hour I'd get a sore throat. That would turn into an upper respiratory infection and then I'd have to get on antibiotics. There for about 2 years I went on about 15 cycles of antibiotics. I've written about this elsewhere but Vitamin C (massive doses, think 5-10grams per day) will knock that shit out. I haven't been sick in years. It's an immune thing, that AC is grating on your bodies respiratory system.

[Cincinnatus]

Haven't really found a way to control it but I usually sleep in AC since it gets so hot and humid here in the summertime. Usually after 3-5 hours of sleep I wake up having trouble breathing. Coughing fits and wheezing. So I'll get up and turn off the AC, only to wake up a couple hours later because I'm too damned hot.

[dirtman]

I sometimes feel ill from too much AC. I get headaches often. Get some fresh air, open a window if possible, and don't set it to be too cold.

[Cr33pin]

I leave the AC on in my room year round. Even in the winter I run my AC all night.......... Does not effect me

[el mechanico]

We live in A/C here in Florida I think what's going on here is the evaporator/air handler has mold in it. They sell UV lights that kill all that and goes in the air handler. Many people have complained here about the same thing that have mold allergies and buy the UV lights. The air handler should also be cleaned with a special solution once in a while and they make different intake filters that are Hepa approved. Make sure they are changing the filter. I change mine once a week..Another thing..An AC is basically a giant dehumidifier so it could be drying out your sinuses..

Read this...
http://www.abscoolteamac.com/uv-lights.html

Nobody knows more about A/C than Floridians if you have any questions just ask

[FretDancer]

For some reason, these kind of fans make my throat hurt after being exposed for a while. Waking up the day after with double the pain...

[Screwston]

Yeah, sometimes I'll be inside all night and wake up feeling like shit. I'll step outside and feel better within minutes.

[WanderingSoul]

This is common in Thailand and it happened to myself and several other forum members as well. A few ways to help combat it are to raise the temp so it isn't so cold, and don't let it blow directly on you. Also, sleep with a fan, as opposed to the ac.

[Screwston]

Maybe you have allergies. I do and start sneezing and getting a stuffy nose when it's barely chilly inside. Are you drinking your daily ACV? It helps out.

[Thomas the Rhymer]

(09-13-2012 07:08 AM)Vorkuta Wrote:  

Does anyone else get flu like symptoms from spending too long in an air conditioned space?

This is a very common complaint among my patients.

Air conditioners poison the air and then circulate it to spread the poison out nicely.

It's like the coca-cola of air quality - sure, a cold coke is refreshing on a hot day, but it isn't healthy

[The Fantasist]

Thanks for all the replies guys,much appreciated.

Allergies seems to be mentioned a few times,how do I find out if that's what the problem is? Is there some kind of test I can do at the doctors?

Houston what is/are ACV?

[Moma]

(09-14-2012 10:19 AM)Vorkuta Wrote:  

Thanks for all the replies guys,much appreciated.

Allergies seems to be mentioned a few times,how do I find out if that's what the problem is? Is there some kind of test I can do at the doctors?

Houston what is/are ACV?

ACV = Apple Cider Vinegar

[IainMuirs]

Yeah I get this too but not always, seems to depend on whether they keep the aircon clean or not. Some times I wake up in the morning with cracked lips, a dried out mouth and throat, nose full of snot, eyes all puffy and crusty.

[porscheguy]

I have to agree with El that mold in the evaporator can be a problem, especially in humid environments. One of the other problems is that your home AC recirculates the same air repeatedly. Some people think this can allow the air to get "stale." Perhaps it does. One thing I've noticed is that many homes don't have filters on their AC return ducts. This is bad for the system because it can allow the evaporator to become clogged with dust, cat hair, and any solid material light enough to float in the air long enough to get sucked in. The shit that passes through the evaporator winds right back up in the air you're breathing.

On the homes that do have filters in place, many of them use the cheapest filters they can find. The really cheap filters may only be good for removing large particulate like cat hair. About the only advantage to using them is they don't restrict airflow. On the opposite end of the spectrum you have the 3M Filtrete filters in the black packaging which trap damn near everything. Your evaporator needs to be spotless as they will reduce your airflow a bit, and any shit on the evaporator will reduce it more. But if you've got problems with allergies, airborne mold, dust, and pet dander, they're the best you can get in a disposable filter. They are pricey and need replacement about every 6-8 weeks.

But if you use the AC and wake up feeling congested or just shitty, switch to a better filter. The 3M that costs $20 takes out a lot more shit than the generic that costs $2.