Published: August 4, 2025
Excessive use of air conditioning during summer is causing a rise in seasonal respiratory illnesses, warns Dr. Helga Kraxner, assistant professor at Semmelweis University’s Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. ENT clinics have reported more cases of cold-like symptoms, sinusitis, middle ear infections, throat infections, and conjunctivitis. In severe cases, overcooling can lead to facial paralysis or pneumonia, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Rapid temperature changes—such as moving from 40°C outdoors into an overly cooled room while sweaty—can make illness “almost inevitable,” Dr. Kraxner notes. Pathogens can attack the respiratory tract, leading to infections that may progress to pneumonia. She advises keeping air conditioners set above 24°C and cleaning them regularly to prevent the spread of bacteria, fungi, and allergens.
Improper maintenance can allow harmful microorganisms to multiply in stagnant water inside unused units. When restarted, these devices can release contaminated air, triggering allergic reactions or infections. In cars, air blown directly onto the waist, back, sinuses, or ears may cause joint pain or facial paralysis.
However, for people with pollen allergies, moderate air conditioning with quality filters can help reduce symptoms by keeping pollen-laden air out of indoor spaces. “Using air conditioning wisely can clean the air of pollen and ease allergy symptoms,” Dr. Kraxner explains.
Source: Semmelweis University
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