Can AC cause breathing problems?

Author: Dane Heaney  |  Last update: Saturday, October 4, 2025

A/Prof Morgan explains that colder air from air conditioning can trigger irritations to either the upper airways (nose/throat) or lower airways. “If these airways are already swollen or inflamed, that will often trigger a sense of chest tightness and cough,” she says.

Can AC cause shortness of breath?

- Mechanism: Direct exposure to cold air from air conditioning units can cause discomfort and physiological changes in the respiratory system. - Impact: Cold air can constrict airways, making it difficult to breathe, particularly for individuals with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

What are the symptoms of AC lung disease?

Over time, this acute condition may turn into long-lasting (chronic) lung disease. Symptoms of acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis may occur 4 - 6 hours after leaving the area and include: chills, cough, fever, malaise, or shortness of breath.

How do I know if my AC is making me sick?

The most common air conditioning-related sickness symptoms are minor ones. You may experience sneezing, coughing, or a sore throat from air conditioning. These symptoms usually occur due to hair or dust in the air, not viruses or bacteria.

Can air conditioning make you wheezy?

Air conditioning is a double-edged sword for people with asthma: You can use it to improve your indoor air quality and eliminate common asthma triggers. But, an AC with even minor problems or maintenance needs causes flare-ups and asthma attacks. It's a critical topic for the summer.

VERIFY: Do air-conditioners cause sinus congestion?

What are the symptoms of air conditioner bacteria?

Legionella bacteria can proliferate in air conditioning systems, particularly in cooling towers. Inhalation of contaminated aerosols can lead to Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia. Symptoms include high fever, cough, and muscle aches. In extreme cases, it can be fatal.

How to treat air conditioner lungs?

In more severe cases, avoidance may not be enough. Then, treatment may include corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medication to reduce inflammation and prevent your immune system from reacting to the allergens you inhale.

How do you get rid of AC sickness?

Installing air purifiers and humidifiers can be an effective way to improve air quality and potentially alleviate coughing caused by air conditioning. Air purifiers work by removing allergens, pollutants, and other harmful particles from the air, which can reduce the risk of respiratory issues and coughing.

What are the symptoms of a dirty air conditioner?

5 Health Problems Caused by a Dirty AC
  • Allergies. If your AC becomes dirty, then you will likely begin to have problems with allergies. ...
  • Fatigue. The quality of the air that you breathe also directly affects your endurance and stamina. ...
  • Dry Skin. ...
  • Airborne Illnesses. ...
  • Noise Pollution.

Can air conditioning give you a chest infection?

Legionnaires' disease is a lung infection you can get from inhaling droplets of water from things like air conditioning or hot tubs. It's uncommon but it can be very serious.

What are the first signs of Legionnaires' disease?

Legionnaires' disease, the pneumonic form, has an incubation period of 2 to 10 days (but up to 16 days has been recorded in some outbreaks). Initially, symptoms are fever, loss of appetite, headache, malaise and lethargy. Some patients may also have muscle pain, diarrhoea and confusion.

How long does AC lung last?

Symptoms of air conditioner lung typically appear four to six hours after exposure to the allergen and may last anywhere from 12 hours to a few days. The symptoms of A/C lung are similar to those of COVID-19, so it's probably a good idea to get tested for COVID if you experience any of the symptoms.

What are the symptoms of AC sinusitis?

Acute sinusitis symptoms include:
  • Cloudy or colored drainage from your nose.
  • Stuffy, congested or blocked nose.
  • Pain, pressure or a sense of fullness around your face, head or around your eyes.
  • Loss of smell and taste.
  • Bad breath.
  • Fever.
  • Ear pain.
  • Headache.

Does AC affect oxygen levels?

However, it is not as if you will starve for oxygen in a closed room with the AC running. Though the AC circulates air from inside the room, fresh air seeps in through doors and windows and provide oxygen and help us breathe.

Can air quality make it hard to breathe?

A high concentration of pollution in the air can irritate eyes and breathing passages in the nose, throat and lungs, causing: Coughing. Wheezing. More frequent or more severe asthma attacks.

Is it bad to sleep next to an air conditioner?

If any of the dirt, bacteria, dust, and other particulate matter that's hiding in your vents gets into your lungs, it can cause some serious infections and sleep issues. Sleeping with the AC on can also cause some physical issues, including dehydration.

Why does air conditioning affect my breathing?

A/Prof Morgan explains that colder air from air conditioning can trigger irritations to either the upper airways (nose/throat) or lower airways. “If these airways are already swollen or inflamed, that will often trigger a sense of chest tightness and cough,” she says.

Is my air conditioner making me sick?

When your air conditioner is on, any mold, mildew, bacteria, and other allergens in the home get airborne. You can end up breathing this airborne matter in, and since the air conditioner can also dry out the air, it can irritate your nose and throat as well.

What are the symptoms of sick building syndrome?

Indicators of SBS include:

Building occupants complain of symptoms associated with acute discomfort, e.g., headache; eye, nose, or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odors.

What is an air conditioner lung?

What causes it? Hypersensitivity pneumonitis can happen when you repeatedly breathe in bacteria , mold, or chemicals in your environment that cause inflammation in your lungs. These harmful substances may be found in: Air conditioners, humidifiers, and ventilation systems.

What are the symptoms of air conditioning illness?

Affects Indoor Air

If you work in an air-conditioned building with poor ventilation, it can raise your risk of “sick building syndrome.” Symptoms include headaches, dry cough, dizziness and nausea, trouble concentrating, fatigue, and sensitivity to odors.

What does AC do to your throat?

As mentioned, air conditioners tend to remove moisture from the air to create more comfortable indoor environments. While too much humidity can be a breeding ground for bacteria – not to mention uncomfortable – too much dryness can cause dry and irritated nasal passages and throats.

How do you tell if your lungs are inflamed?

Also, symptoms vary greatly among people with the condition and include:
  1. Trouble breathing.
  2. Dry cough that usually doesn't bring up any mucus.
  3. Extreme tiredness.
  4. Loss of appetite.
  5. Fever.
  6. Joint and muscle pain.
  7. Headache.
  8. Weight loss.

What can I drink to reduce lung inflammation?

Consume Herbal and Healthy Drinks that registered by BPOM: Some herbs and healthy drinks like green tea, herbal tea, honey, and ginger have been associated with lung cleansing benefits. They can help loosen mucus, relieve cough, and reduce inflammation in the lungs.

What are the symptoms of dust in the lungs?

These commonly include bronchitis-like symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. People also suffer from weakness, fatigue, fever, night sweats, leg swelling and bluish discoloration of the lips.

Previous article
What can I use to clean my patio blocks?
Next article
Why does my toilet bowl cleaner turn purple?