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What Causes A Sore Throat From Air Conditioning?

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Air conditioning units were designed to provide cooler, cleaner air indoor environments. Although a well-functioning AC unit offers relief for many, it can cause sore throat for some. This reaction is caused by the cool air circulated into a home through the AC unit.

Let’s be clear – sore throats have multiple causes, and air conditioning is likely pretty low on that list. But they are a common complaint for many people who suffer from allergies, especially the frequent question of “can dry air cause a sore throat.” We’ll take you through the reasons why your air conditioning system, may need maintenance from a professional keeping your throat and airways irritate-free.

Reasons why your AC may have caused your sore throat.

1. Poor Installation

Just like stagnant water, stagnant air is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to grow. If your air conditioning unit was installed poorly, your air may be circulating inadequately throughout your home. This can cause large amounts of dust to accumulate, attracting dust mites which can cause allergies to flare up.

Without your air conditioner circulating air properly, your health could be at risk, causing other respiratory conditions and viral infections. This is why it’s crucial to have your air conditioner installed correctly.

2. Dry Air

Air with a low amount of moisture can have a negative impact on some, especially those who suffer from allergies. Not only can it trigger allergies but the cold, dry air can cause a cough especially if you suffer from asthma.

Make sure to either occasionally run your ac system with the vent control open or open your windows every now and again to allow fresh air into your home. Your unit will then be able to cycle the “new” air through the unit, preventing the air in your home from becoming stagnant, improving the air quality.

3. Not Enough Maintenance

Keeping your air filters and air ducts clean is extremely important. These will trap dirt and allergens present in your home, but what goes in must, eventually, come out. In other words, these parts should be cleaned regularly.

Air filters can harbor a lot of bacteria or allergens that can turn into mold if left unchecked. Additionally, you should have your air conditioning unit serviced twice a year to ensure it is functioning at peak performance.

A man holding his chest coughing because of dry air

Other Causes of a Sore Throat

There are a number of reasons you may be suffering from a persistent sore throat. It could be that you don’t wash your hands enough or you may have caught a common cold and forgotten to replace your toothbrush, catching the same bug again and again. Or, perhaps you work in a career that requires you to do a lot of speaking.

The easiest way to identify whether your sore throat is caused by the air in your home is to keep track of when it occurs. If you’re only suffering from a sore throat when you spend time at home, your air conditioner may be the culprit.

Treatments for Sore Throats

If you or someone in your family is suffering from a sore throat due to a bacterial or viral infection, you can do a few things to help alleviate the discomfort. Warm liquids as well as cold treats, such as popsicles, tend to offer relief, although dairy is not recommended to reduce the amount to phlegm.

Throat lozenges, honey, staying hydrated, and investing in a humidifier to bring up those humidity levels are also potential solutions.

Don’t Wait Any Longer For Relief

If you suffer from allergies or any other respiratory illness, there are many steps you can take to improve the air quality of your home. If you believe that your sore throat may be caused by your air conditioner, contact Lee’s Air today to identify the problem and determine the best options for fixing your air conditioning unit.

Thomas Howard

Written by Thomas Howard

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