Sore Throat from Air Conditioning: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

The AC-Sore Throat Connection:

Air conditioning is a lifesaver during scorching summers. It cools down our homes and offices, and provides relief from the relentless heat.
Yet, it can come with a hidden cost.
Many of us don’t realize that the cool air blasting from our AC units can also lead to health issues. Sore throats are a common complaint.

The link between air conditioning and sore throats is not immediately obvious to everyone. However, understanding this connection is the first step toward finding solutions. It’s a trade-off that needs careful consideration, especially since its hard to go without air conditioning in the middle of summer.

Why does AC give me a sore throat?

Air conditioning, while a refuge from the heat, can also have unintended side effects.
1. Dry Air. While it cools, it also dehumidifies the air, often leading to a noticeable dryness. This lack of moisture can make your throat feel dry, sore, and uncomfortable.
2. Mold In another twist; the very device keeping you cool can harbor mold within its damp internal components. When the AC unit kicks in, it might circulate mold spores along with the cool air, adding insult to injury for your throat.₁

Identifying Your Symptoms:

To navigate these waters, it’s crucial to pinpoint what’s causing your discomfort. If it’s dry air you’re battling, your throat might feel scratchy and parched, especially after a night in an air-conditioned room.

 Mold exposure, on the other hand, could bring about a more persistent sore throat, often accompanied by other allergic reactions like sneezing or itchy eyes. Noticing a musty odor when your AC is running can also be a telltale sign of mold.

Symptoms Comparison Table:

Symptom	Dry Air from AC	Mold Exposure
Sore Throat	Common	Common
Dry Skin	Likely	Less likely
Itchy Eyes	Less likely	Likely
Musty Odor	No	Yes
Persistent Cough	Possible	Likely
Sneezing	No	Likely
Respiratory Issues	Less likely	Likely
Visible Mold	No	Possible

Immediate Relief Strategies:

Once you’ve got a handle on what’s troubling your throat, it’s time for some quick fixes:

• Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of fluids to keep your throat moist and alleviate dryness.
• Humidify Your Space: Introducing a humidifier can add back some of the moisture stripped away by your AC, offering relief for your dry throat.
• Saltwater Gargles: A simple saltwater gargle can soothe your throat and reduce irritation.
• Lozenges: Throat lozenges can provide temporary relief by increasing saliva production to moisten your throat.
• AC Adjustment: Consider tweaking your AC settings, opting for a less intense cooling effect to mitigate the dryness.

Relief Method	Action	Expected Outcome
Hydration	Drink plenty of water and fluids.	Helps to moisten the throat and reduce dryness.
Humidification	Use a humidifier in your living space.	Adds moisture to the air, alleviating throat dryness.
Saltwater Gargle	Gargle with a warm saltwater solution.	Soothes throat irritation and reduces inflammation.
Throat Lozenges	Suck on throat lozenges or hard candies.	Stimulates saliva production, keeping the throat moist.
Adjust AC Settings	Increase the temperature slightly.	Reduces the drying effect of the AC on the air.
Take Breaks	Spend some time in non-air-conditioned spaces.	Allows your throat to recover from the dry air.
Air Circulation	Ensure proper air circulation in the room.	Prevents cold air from directly hitting your throat.

How Long Does a Sore Throat from Air Conditioning Last?

Typically, if the sore throat is solely due to the dry air from AC, you might expect relief within a few days of implementing immediate relief measures, such as staying hydrated, using a humidifier, and avoiding prolonged exposure to cold, dry air.

For cases where mold allergens contribute to the sore throat, the discomfort might persist longer and could require addressing the mold issue directly within the AC system to see a significant improvement. In such scenarios, alongside the immediate relief measures, thorough cleaning of the AC unit and possibly consulting a professional for a more in-depth inspection might be necessary.

If your sore throat lingers beyond a week despite taking these steps, or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like fever, rash, or severe pain, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional.₂

To ensure your throat doesn’t become a repeat victim of the air conditioning’s chill, adopting a proactive approach is crucial.

Let’s explore how you can prevent sore throats by tackling the root causes: dry air and the hidden menace of mold in your AC system.

Tackling Dry Air:

The key to combating the dryness associated with air conditioning lies in managing your indoor humidity levels effectively.

• Humidity Levels: Aim to maintain indoor humidity between 30% and 50%. This range helps prevent the air from being too dry or too moist.
• Use a Humidifier: Deploying a humidifier can reintroduce the necessary moisture back into your environment, especially in areas frequently cooled by AC.
• Indoor Plants: Consider adding indoor plants that can naturally increase humidity levels, though be mindful of overwatering and potential mold growth in the soil.

Addressing Mold in AC Units:

Preventing mold growth within your air conditioning system is equally important for safeguarding your throat’s well-being.

• Regular AC Maintenance: Ensure your AC unit is cleaned and serviced regularly. This includes changing filters, cleaning ducts, and checking for any signs of moisture or mold buildup.
• Dehumidifiers Near AC Units: In humid climates, using a dehumidifier in conjunction with your AC can help reduce the overall moisture level, making it less hospitable for mold.
• Proper Ventilation: Ensure your space is well-ventilated. Using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms and occasionally opening windows can help reduce humidity levels and prevent mold growth.

Advanced Solutions:

For those looking for an extra layer of protection, consider more advanced solutions.

• In-Duct Air Purifiers: Installing an in-duct air purifier within your HVAC system can help filter out mold spores, dust, and other allergens before they circulate through your home. RGF is one of the best. But a little pricy. Air Health Haven has a comparable product that is better priced,
• AC Upgrades: If your AC unit is older and prone to mold issues, upgrading to a newer model with better moisture control and filtration systems might be a worthwhile investment.

Even with all the right precautions, sometimes a sore throat might persist or the air quality issues in your home may not resolve as expected. In such cases, knowing when and how to seek professional help is crucial.

Consulting Healthcare Professionals:

If your sore throat becomes a frequent issue or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, prolonged discomfort, or severe allergic reactions, it’s time to consult a healthcare professional. They can offer:

• Personalized Medical Advice: Based on your symptoms and medical history, to address the root cause of your sore throat.
• Allergy Testing: To determine if specific allergens might be contributing to your discomfort.
• Treatment Plans: Including medications or therapies to alleviate symptoms and address underlying conditions.

Professional HVAC Assistance:

For persistent issues related to air quality or suspicions of mold in your AC system that you can’t resolve on your own, seeking help from HVAC professionals is a smart move. They can provide:

• In-depth Inspections: To identify and rectify mold, dust, or other contaminants within your HVAC system.
• Professional Cleaning: Thorough cleaning of ducts, filters, and AC units to remove allergens and prevent mold growth.
• System Upgrades or Repairs: Recommendations for upgrading your AC system or making necessary repairs to improve indoor air quality.

Final Thoughts:

Tackling sore throats from air conditioning involves a blend of immediate relief efforts, preventative measures, and sometimes professional intervention. By staying proactive about indoor air quality and consulting experts when needed, you can enjoy the cool comfort of your AC without the downside of throat discomfort.

Remember, the goal is not just to treat the symptoms but to create a healthy and comfortable indoor environment that supports your overall well-being. With the right strategies in place, you can keep your cool all summer long, sore throat-free.

Frequently Asked Questions