Can Air Conditioner Make You Cough? Debunking Common Myths

ByArnould Eric Updated

Can Air Conditioner Make You Cough?

Yes, air conditioners can make you cough.

Cold and dry air from air conditioning systems can cause a persistent, dry cough known as cough-variant asthma.

Additionally, excess humidity from air conditioning can lead to congestion and throat irritation, resulting in coughing.

Pollen, mold, and dust in the air conditioning system can also trigger coughing.

However, increasing the temperature a few degrees, reducing the amount of time the air conditioner runs, and using humidifiers can help alleviate coughing.

Regular AC maintenance and filter changes are important to prevent contaminants from entering the air and causing coughs.

Key Points:

  • Cold and dry air from air conditioning systems can cause cough-variant asthma.
  • Excess humidity from air conditioning can lead to congestion and throat irritation, resulting in coughing.
  • Pollen, mold, and dust in the air conditioning system can trigger coughing.
  • Increasing temperature, reducing AC usage time, and using humidifiers can alleviate coughing.
  • Regular AC maintenance and filter changes are important to prevent contaminants from causing coughs.

Did You Know?

1. Contrary to popular belief, air conditioners do not inherently cause coughing. However, prolonged exposure to cold, dry air emitted by certain air conditioning units can irritate the respiratory system, potentially leading to a cough.
2. One lesser-known reason why air conditioners may contribute to coughing is the accumulation of dust and allergens in the unit’s filter. If not regularly cleaned, these particles can be recirculated into the air, triggering allergies and inducing coughing in susceptible individuals.
3. Some air conditioners utilize a technology called ionization, which releases negative ions into the air. These ions can attract pollutants and allergens, effectively removing them from the air you breathe. However, excessive levels of negative ions can irritate the respiratory system and cause coughing.
4. Certain air conditioners have a dehumidifying function that not only cools the air but also removes excess moisture. While this can be beneficial for preventing mold growth and improving comfort, extremely dry air can dry out the respiratory tract, potentially leading to irritation and coughing.
5. Interestingly, air conditioners were not originally designed for human comfort but rather to control humidity in industrial settings. Their adoption for residential and commercial use started in the early 20th century as a means to reduce humidity-related issues in printing presses and textile factories.

Viral Infections And Coughing: Understanding The Connection

Coughing is a common symptom of viral infections and respiratory illnesses. These infections can be caused by a wide range of viruses, including the common cold, influenza, and COVID-19. It is important to note that viruses can be spread by individuals both with and without symptoms, making it crucial to take precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.

  • Coughing is a common symptom of viral infections and respiratory illnesses
  • Infections can be caused by a wide range of viruses, including the common cold, influenza, and COVID-19
  • Viruses can be spread by individuals both with and without symptoms
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The Role Of Air Conditioning In Coughing: Cold And Dry Air Effects

Air conditioning systems, particularly when set at lower temperatures, can lead to the development of a persistent dry cough known as cough-variant asthma. This condition occurs when the cold and dry air from the air conditioner irritates the airways, causing them to become inflamed and hypersensitive. The resulting cough is usually dry, non-productive, and can be quite bothersome.

The cold air from an air conditioning system can also cause the nasal passages to constrict, leading to a feeling of congestion and throat irritation. This can further contribute to the incidence of coughing. Additionally, the dry air can cause the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract to dry out, making them more susceptible to irritants and potentially causing a cough.

  • Air conditioning set at lower temperatures can lead to the development of cough-variant asthma.
  • Cold air from the air conditioner irritates the airways, causing inflammation and hypersensitivity.

How Excess Humidity From Air Conditioning Can Cause Coughing

While cold and dry air can be a problem, excess humidity from air conditioning can also lead to coughing. When the humidity level in a room is too high, it can create a damp environment that promotes the growth of mold and encourages the proliferation of dust mites. Both of these allergens can trigger coughing and other respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Furthermore, high humidity levels can cause the air to feel heavy and damp, making it difficult for people to breathe comfortably. This can lead to a sensation of throat irritation and coughing. It is important to maintain a balance in humidity levels to ensure a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.

Alleviating Coughing: Adjusting Temperature And AC Usage

To alleviate coughing caused by cold air from an air conditioning system, it is recommended to increase the temperature by a few degrees. This helps to reduce the temperature difference between the indoor and outdoor environment, minimizing the shock to the respiratory system and decreasing the likelihood of coughing. Additionally, reducing the amount of time the air conditioner runs can also help alleviate symptoms.

Another strategy to reduce coughing is to close vents in rooms that are not being used or move to a different room where the air conditioning is not directly blowing on you. This helps to minimize exposure to the cold air and reduce the risk of coughing.

    • Increase the temperature by a few degrees
    • Reduce the amount of time the air conditioner runs
    • Close vents in unused rooms
    • Move to a different room without direct air conditioning airflow

To alleviate coughing caused by cold air from an air conditioning system, it is recommended to increase the temperature by a few degrees. This helps to reduce the temperature difference between the indoor and outdoor environment, minimizing the shock to the respiratory system and decreasing the likelihood of coughing. Additionally, reducing the amount of time the air conditioner runs can also help alleviate symptoms. Another strategy is to close vents in rooms that are not being used or move to a different room where the air conditioning is not directly blowing on you. This helps to minimize exposure to the cold air and reduce the risk of coughing.

Contaminants In The Air: Pollen, Mold, And Dust As Coughing Triggers

In addition to temperature and humidity, contaminants present in the air conditioning system can trigger a cough. Pollen, mold spores, and dust particles can circulate in the air and come into contact with the respiratory system, causing irritation and inflammation, which ultimately leads to coughing.

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Improve the text:
* Contaminants in the air conditioning system can trigger a cough.
* Pollen, mold spores, and dust particles are common culprits that circulate in the air.
* When these allergens come into contact with the respiratory system, they can cause irritation and inflammation, leading to coughing.

Note: It’s important to ensure proper maintenance and cleanliness of the air conditioning system to minimize the presence of these contaminants.

Preventing Contaminants: Importance Of Regular AC Maintenance And Filter Changes

To prevent contaminants from entering the air and triggering coughing, regular maintenance of the air conditioning system is essential. This includes cleaning or replacing filters regularly to ensure that they are able to effectively trap and remove allergens from the air. Additionally, keeping the system clean and free from dust and mold is crucial in maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

It is advisable to consult a reputable air conditioning company for assistance in selecting the right unit for your home and to ensure proper maintenance. Elite Electric & Air, a company that has been serving Port St. Lucie, Florida for 30 years, is one such company that offers professional air conditioning services and UV Air Sanitizer solutions for homes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my air conditioner give me a cough?

When an air conditioner is not properly maintained, it can become a haven for mold and mildew, which can release spores into the air. These spores can cause respiratory symptoms, including coughing. Regular cleaning and servicing of your HVAC system is crucial to prevent this issue and ensure a healthy indoor environment.

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How do you get rid of an AC cough?

To relieve an AC cough, it is important to maintain a balanced indoor humidity level between 30 to 50 percent. Increasing the humidity slightly can help alleviate the dryness caused by the air conditioning unit. Consider using a small portable humidifier or installing a home humidifier for better control over the climate in your home, effectively eliminating the AC cough. However, it is crucial not to overdo it, as excessive humidity can lead to other issues.

How long does cough from AC last?

The duration of cough caused by air conditioner lung can vary, but typically it can last anywhere from 12 hours to a few days. The symptoms usually start to show four to six hours after being exposed to the allergen. While there is no fixed timeline, it is important to seek medical advice if the cough persists for an extended period or worsens.

Can you get a cough and cold from air conditioning?

It is possible to experience cold-like symptoms from prolonged exposure to air conditioning. This can be attributed to the air conditioning system circulating allergens, dust, and other irritants throughout the air, leading to coughing, sneezing, and throat irritation. Regular maintenance and cleaning of air filters can help prevent these symptoms and ensure a healthier indoor environment.

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