How to treat air conditioner lungs?

Author: Marquis Shields Jr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Following diagnosis, your doctor will likely recommend a steroid treatment plan. Avoiding exposure to the allergens that caused the condition is also a vital part of air conditioner lung treatment.

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 to get rid of air conditioner cough?

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.

Can air conditioning affect your lungs?

People who live in air-conditioned surroundings report greater rates of respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing and shortness of breath, according to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Health Research. The results of the study were ascribed to greater exposure to pollutants and allergens indoors.

How long does it take for irritated lungs to heal?

It depends on what's causing your pneumonitis and its severity. It may take several months for your lungs to heal. In some cases, lung damage may be permanent.

Can Air Conditioning Make You Sick?

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.

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 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.

Why do my lungs hurt after conditioning?

Symptoms. EIB is caused by the loss of heat, water or both from the airways during exercise when quickly breathing in air that is drier than what is already in the body. Symptoms typically appear within a few minutes after you start exercising and may continue for 10 to 15 minutes after you finish your workout.

Why am I coughing so much with AC on?

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.

How do I get rid of AC congestion?

Remember, when you don't maintain your AC filters, you add more allergens to the air you breathe. Finally, if you have sinus issues caused by cool, dry air alone, we recommend drinking plenty of fluids to stay properly hydrated and using a humidifier to increase the moisture in your environment.

How to treat air conditioning sickness?

It is advisable to use a humidifier alongside your home conditioner if you experience any air conditioning sickness symptoms. Also, drink a lot of water during the day to reduce this effect.

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.

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 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.

Can you get a lung infection from air conditioning?

Long-term exposure can lead to lung inflammation and acute lung disease. Over time, the acute condition turns into long-lasting (chronic) lung disease. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis may also be caused by: Fungi or bacteria in humidifiers, heating systems, and air conditioners found in homes and offices.

How to get rid of an air conditioner cough at night?

Try a humidifier

Dry air can irritate the throat and sinuses and worsen a cough. Air conditioning and cooling fans in the summer and heating systems in the winter can make the environment dry. Using a humidifier at night can add moisture to the air while a person sleeps.

Can a dirty AC unit make you sick?

Airborne Illnesses

Viruses can become trapped in the system and released later, leading to possible illnesses. Your HVAC system can spread bacteria and viruses around your house, increasing the chances of everyone getting sick.

Can air trapping in lungs go away?

Treatment depends in large part on what's causing your hyperinflated lungs. Your doctor may prescribe a type of medicine called a bronchodilator. It can open up your airways and help reverse the effects of hyperinflated lungs by allowing the trapped air to escape. Certain types of exercise might also help.

How do you flush toxins out of your lungs?

Coughing is the body's way of naturally expelling toxins that it has trapped in mucus. Controlled coughing loosens excess mucus in the lungs, sending it up through the airways. People can cleanse their lungs of excess mucus by: Sitting down on a chair with the shoulders relaxed, keeping both feet flat on the floor.

What is the best position to sleep in to clear your lungs?

If you have a long-term (chronic) lung problem associated with excessive mucus, or you have increased mucus from an infection, lying with your chest lower than your belly (abdomen) can help loosen and drain extra mucus from your lungs.

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