Is your A/C causing your sore throat?
Air conditioning is certainly a blessing for many, especially in the warmer parts of the world. It gives us a bit of respite from the often hot summer sun, but did you know it can also cause a sore throat? Yes! That nagging sore throat you’re waking up with could be caused by the nice cool– and more importantly dry– air coming from your A/C unit!
How does A/C work?
Your A/C unit, during the course of cooling down the hot, humid air from the outside dries that air out a bit, removing some of the moisture contained in the air. Have you ever seen the puddle of water next to your window air conditioner? That’s all the water it’s removing from the air you’re breathing! This dry air can possibly worsen nasal and throat irritation.
What can we do about it?
Luckily, this dry air problem can be solved in a few ways:
- Make sure you’re taking in enough liquids yourself. If your throat is drying out due to the dry air, you have to make sure that you’re drinking enough water, and you’re not just regularly dehydrated!
- Consider adding a small humidifier to boost the moisture levels of the air in your home or office.
- Crack a window. Oftentimes the air outside is much more moisture laden than the air inside– it can help to crack a window for a little bit and exchange a bit of your cool dry air for warm moist air.
Remember, if you’re experiencing painful sensations in your throat and nose, it may be a good idea to visit your doctor and see what’s up.
A/C is a must have for some of us, but be careful and monitor how it’s effecting your health. Take precautions by drinking water, and using a humidifier, and you’ll be able to enjoy your chilly house without the nagging sore throat!
