Air Conditioning Sickness

[howtoescape]

The only time i sleep in a room with air con is when i am in Thailand, and the last 3 times here i have got flu like/bronchitis/sinusitis symptons.

After doing some research on google, it seems that sick building syndrome doesnt really exist, so does anyone else get ill from sleeping in a room with the airconditioning on, and what medication do you recommend to clear up the symptons.

I have suffered from respiratory problems/infections on and off for the last 10 years, and after tests for everything it still undiagnosed, hence i am susceptible to these kinds of problems.

[Tywais]

After doing some research on google, it seems that sick building syndrome doesnt really exist

I'm not sure where you found that research information but the World Health Organization (WHO) generated a report in 1984 suggesting there is. Also, the US Environmental Agency, UK Health & Safety Executive and numerous others do say there is. Reading the how and why it seems fairly clear that with certain environmental conditions that one can be ill due to the building.

In any case, you can do some research into Air Ionizers which help to remove mold and dust particulates that are often generated by air conditioners. However if your exposure is from staying in a hotel room, perhaps a portable ionizer.

What is an air ionizer

[londonthai]

it can be dirty filters - they suppose to be cleaned and desinfected regularly.

if you have breathing problems than avoid air con alltogether, even cold air alone will make problems to the sinuses and throat - use fans and open windows to cool the room

[howtoescape]

At least i know now it isnt only me, my research was a brief look on google with the keywords air conditioning sickness.

[bernie66]

Evaporator coil cleaner "inside unit" Not condinser cleaner, "outside unit"it has to be washed off with a water hose or it will corrode the aluminum and eat the metal fins away. Some are Antimicrobial, Antibacterial, Antifungal, ect.ect.ect. You could probably have the unit completely cleaned and serviced cheap over thier.

Edited November 11, 2007 by bernie66

[howtoescape]

What medication is recommended for clearing air con sickness?

[bina]

not using an air conditioner

my daughter has the same problem: she is already asthmatic and the a/c instigates bronchitits the sniffles, head cold syndrome: its not the molds and stuff that affect her but the actual cold dry air blowing on her or near her or around her. so we dont use a/c or if we do, she sits by an open window; she uses saline solution spray/drops in her nose; or, funnily enough, she wears a hat in the room that is a/c like at school (its either boiling hot, or arctic) shes been tested for molds/mildews etc and the docs say its just due to the intensity of the cold dry windy type air...

cold weather does not effect her the same way as the a/c (we have a basic unit in the house, only in the salon, and windows are always open also (thai husband likes 'fresh air')...

sick building syndrome is not from a/c, it is caused by the type of air circulating per minute in a closed area w/o no ventilation other then a/c and the results are people feeling very tired, headachey, grumpy, or 'anxious'... plants and changed lighting also help since part of the reaction becomes psychological too (feeling closed in, lack of air etc)...

bina

Edited November 11, 2007 by bina

[pointofview]

Very few hotels in thailand service thier A/C units regularly - some not at all. If you take a look behind the cover of any a/c you may be horrified. |If my a/c's at home were like wise i would expect to get sick. I have been sick on a few occassions due to dirty a/c in hotels.

When i first came to thailand 14 years ago most of the guys i knew would preffer to stay in fan rooms - speaks for itself really!

Edited November 11, 2007 by pointofview