Cold, dry air from AC, poor maintenance can trigger respiratory issues, UAE doctors warn

As temperatures in the UAE soar, air conditioning has become a necessity, with residents spending most of their day moving between intensely cooled indoor environments and extreme outdoor heat. However, doctors are cautioning that this constant cycle of artificial cooling and high temperatures can negatively impact health.

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Prolonged exposure to cold, dry air can cause nasal and throat dryness, eye irritation, and worsen allergies or asthma in susceptible individuals. Poorly maintained air-conditioning systems may also circulate dust and mould, triggering respiratory symptoms.

Prolonged exposure to cold, dry air can lead to nasal and throat dryness, eye irritation, and can worsen existing allergies or asthma, particularly in susceptible individuals. Dr. Muhammed Aslam, a specialist pulmonologist, highlighted that poorly maintained air-conditioning systems can circulate dust and mold, potentially triggering respiratory symptoms. This is especially concerning for those who spend long hours indoors, such as office workers, children, and the elderly.

The rapid transition between extreme temperatures, often referred to as "thermal shock," places significant stress on the body's natural regulation systems. Moving from outdoor temperatures exceeding 40°C with high humidity into a 20°C indoor environment forces the body to adjust quickly. This phenomenon can lead to discomfort, fatigue, tension headaches, and a general sense of sluggishness or "brain fog" due to the constriction of blood vessels in the head and neck.

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Spending consecutive hours in highly chilled rooms causes localized blood vessels in the head and neck to constrict, frequently resulting in tension headaches and a general sense of sluggishness or ‘brain fog’.

While thermal shock can affect anyone, certain groups are at higher risk, including individuals with asthma and allergies, young children, the elderly, and those with cardiovascular conditions. Doctors emphasize that staying cool does not have to compromise health. Simple adjustments, such as maintaining moderate indoor temperatures, ensuring proper AC maintenance, and allowing for gradual acclimatization when moving between different environments, can significantly reduce health risks and make indoor spaces more comfortable during the hot UAE summer.

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The rapid transition from 40°C+ outdoor heat with high humidity to a 20°C indoor environment places immediate regulatory stress on the body. This phenomenon is known as ‘thermal shock’.