Dr. Felices: "Air conditioning causes blood vessels to constrict, causing less blood to reach the muscles, causing them to tense up."

During the hottest months of the year, air conditioning becomes an indispensable tool for coping with the heat during the day and getting a good night's sleep . However, prolonged or poorly regulated use can have negative consequences for your health. Neck pain, unexpected colds, or a dry throat are some of the most common discomforts associated with improper use of this air conditioning system.

Doctor José Manuel Felices , a health specialist and very active on social media , warns about the risks of direct exposure to cold air. He explains, “ The blast of cold air causes blood vessels to constrict, causing less blood to reach the muscles, and causing them to tense up, resulting in that typical neck pain .” This vascular contraction also affects the respiratory system: “The same thing happens to your mucous membranes. The respiratory cilia that move to move mucus remain, making it easier for any virus to enter.” Thus, what begins as a solution for better sleep can end up weakening the body's natural defenses.

In addition to the physical implications, the doctor also points out the energy and environmental costs of excessive use: "The cool air you bring into your home comes out as heat, which pollutes the air outside and causes your bill to skyrocket." Despite this, he insists that it's not necessary to give up thermal comfort, but rather learn to manage it properly to avoid side effects. "It's about using it scientifically and conscientiously," he emphasizes.

Three guidelines to avoid putting your health at risk

To minimize these effects, Dr. Felices recommends applying three very simple measures. The first is to avoid excessively low temperatures: "Lower it a few degrees, but not too much. It's about being comfortable, not turning your house into an igloo and wandering around like it's winter." Maintaining a temperature between 24 and 26 degrees is sufficient to stay cool without disrupting your body's thermal balance.

The second tip concerns the direction of the airflow. The specialist suggests not directing the airflow directly toward the body, but rather "directing it upwards. The cold air descends and displaces the warm air upwards , thus moving the air in the room and creating the current you need." This simple action prevents muscle stiffness and better distributes the cool air throughout the room.

It is not necessary to give up thermal comfort, but rather to learn to manage it well: "It is about using it with science and conscience," Felices emphasizes.

The third and final tip is to take care of your mucous membranes and avoid the dryness that promotes infections. He recommends a small nighttime adjustment: " Placing a humidifier in your bedroom helps evaporate and reduces the drying process." By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of air conditioning without compromising your health or increasing energy consumption.