What are the symptoms of air conditioner bacteria?

Author: Fermin Friesen MD  |  Last update: Friday, July 25, 2025

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.

What infections can you get from the air conditioner?

These can give rise to particularly dangerous and even deadly conditions – these next four are amongst the most common.
  • Respiratory tract infections. ...
  • Legionella. ...
  • Black mould. ...
  • Sick building syndrome.

How do you know if your AC is making you sick?

Is Your Air Conditioner Making You Sick? 5 Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
  • #1 – Headaches and Malaise. Have you been experiencing more headaches than usual? ...
  • #2 – Contaminated Indoor Air. ...
  • #3 – Unexplained Dry Skin. ...
  • #4 – Increasing Problems with Your Ears, Nose, and Throat. ...
  • #5 – Breathing Problems.

What are the symptoms 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.

What are the symptoms of air conditioner lungs?

Air conditioner lung symptoms may vary, but they generally include:
  • a dry cough or wheeze.
  • the inability to catch your breath.
  • a feeling of tightness in the chest.
  • fever.
  • chills.
  • fatigue.
  • headache.

Can Air Conditioning Make You Sick?

What sickness does AC cause?

Dry eyes, lethargy, dehydration, dry or itchy skin, headaches, respiratory issues, allergies and asthma, noise pollution, infectious diseases, and indoor pollutants are among the common health concerns associated with prolonged exposure to air conditioning.

Can AC mold make you sick?

Mold that finds a way into your home can cause such symptoms as throat irritation, wheezing, and congestion, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Living with a moldy air conditioner "would increase your chances of having a respiratory infection," says Mark Mendell, Ph.

Can you get a chest infection from air conditioning?

Introduction. Legionnaires' disease is an infection spread through inhalation of droplets/aerosols through contaminated artificial water systems such as air conditioning units, cooling towers, whirlpool spas, and shower units. It can cause a severe form of pneumonia that can be life threatening.

What are the symptoms of E. coli?

coli can cause diarrhea. Some kinds can cause bloody diarrhea, watery diarrhea, or both. Some of these E. coli can cause other symptoms, including stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever.

How long does it normally take for symptoms to develop after breathing in the Legionella bacteria?

Legionnaires' disease usually develops two to 10 days after exposure to legionella bacteria. It frequently begins with the following signs and symptoms: Headache. Muscle aches.

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 bacteria is in the air conditioner?

For example, consider the issue of bacteria in air conditioning that cause Legionnaires' disease. The truth is, Legionella Pneumophila bacteria breed in water and not inside air conditioning ducts and filters. So water supply systems and air-conditioner cooling towers are the major breeding grounds for this bacteria.

What are the symptoms of a dirty air conditioner?

They can make your family sick:

Your family may suffer upper respiratory infections if they experience coughing, headaches, sneezing, nasal congestion, sore throats, runny noses, and low fevers due to dirty air-conditioning filters.

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.

How do I get rid of bacteria in my air conditioner?

Changing air filters every 60 to 90 days. Hosing down the outside of condenser coils to remove debris. Keeping the condensate drain clean. Minimizing dust and debris around the blower and air handler.

How to test for legionnaires in air conditioners?

Carry out a visual inspection of your building's HVAC system. Check for particulate matter in the air vents and ensure that there is musty or dusty odor when the system is switched on. Make sure that your filters are replaced at least once in two months.

What are the symptoms of listeria?

For the more severe, life-threatening invasive form of the disease, symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Invasive listeriosis is a potentially life-threatening event, especially for newborns, adults over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems.

How do you flush E. coli out of your system?

Consume plenty of liquids.

Drinking water (especially after intercourse) helps dilute urine and spur more frequent urination, which flushes E. coli from the urinary tract.

What are the signs and symptoms of Shigella?

What are the symptoms? Symptoms of shigellosis include diarrhea (often bloody), abdominal pain, stomach cramps, and fever. Sometimes people infected with Shigella have no symptoms at all, but can still pass the bacteria to others. Symptoms usually begin 1 to 3 days after being exposed to Shigella.

What are the first signs of Legionnaires' disease?

The initial symptoms of Legionnaires' disease are similar to those of flu:
  • high temperature, feverishness and chills.
  • cough.
  • muscle pains.
  • headache.

What is the disease caused by air conditioning?

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.

How to get rid of AC cough?

In order to prevent air conditioner allergic cough and other symptoms, You should Keep your conditioner clean by regularly replacing the air conditioner's filters, clear the area around the outside AC unit of all dust and debris, Keep the doors and windows closed, and purchase good pre- and secondary filters.

What are the 10 warning signs of mold toxicity?

Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include:
  • Nasal and sinus congestion.
  • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Skin irritation, such as a rash.
  • Headache.

How do you treat AC 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 has mold?

Here are some other signs that mold is present in your AC unit:
  • Musty or mildewy odor.
  • Black dust accumulating around air vents.
  • Visible presence of mold that is black, brown, green, white, pink, yellow or orange in color.

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