Lucknow: A dry throat, cough or irritation in summer may not always be an infection. Long hours in air-conditioned rooms can cause these problems.Doctors told TOI that such patients have started to increase in the past week. Around 10-15 people with these symptoms are visiting hospitals daily. Many think it is a “summer cold”, but it is often due to long AC use at low temperatures.Air conditioners reduce moisture in the air. This dries the nose and throat and causes irritation.Former head of pulmonary medicine at King George’s Medical University, Prof Rajendra Prasad said cases rise with summer heat. “Dry air irritates the breathing passages. Many think it is an infection, but it is usually due to AC use,” he said.Doctors said the symptoms are different from viral infections. Patients have a dry or scratchy throat and a mild cough. They usually do not have fever or body ache. Viral infections often cause fever, tiredness and a runny nose.Prof Santosh Kumar from KGMU said very low AC temperatures make the problem worse. “Keeping the AC at 24-26°C helps reduce dryness,” he said.Doctors said direct cold air and long hours in closed rooms can worsen symptoms. This is more common in children, the elderly and people with asthma or allergies.Head of respiratory medicine at Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Prof Ajay Verma said continuous exposure increases sensitivity. “In people with asthma or allergies, it can trigger breathing problems. Avoid direct airflow and take breaks,” he said. Doctors also warned about poor maintenance. “Unclean filters spread dust and allergens,” Prof Verma said.Experts advised keeping the AC at a moderate temperature. They also suggested proper ventilation, drinking enough water and cleaning filters regularly.
