Pulmonologists reveal dirty ACs predispose people to asthma, allergies

Pulmonologists have raised concerns over the state of air conditioners used in offices, homes and vehicles, noting that they can predispose individuals to serious respiratory problems like asthma, allergies, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases if they are dirty. They said dirty air conditioners can harbour a variety of pollutants, including mould, and dust, which can cause or exacerbate respiratory problems. According to them, dirty air conditioners can increase the risk of pneumonia and other serious respiratory diseases.

READ ALSO:Dusty haze: NiMet issues warning to asthmatic patients

The World Health Organisation described pneumonia as a form of acute respiratory infection that is most commonly caused by viruses or bacteria. It noted that pneumonia could cause mild to life-threatening illness in people of all ages, and is the single largest infectious cause of death in children worldwide.

According to the WHO, pneumonia killed over 808, 000 children under the age of five in 2017, adding that the figure accounted for 15 per cent of all deaths of children under five years. People at risk for pneumonia also include adults over the age of 65 and people with pre-existing health problems.

In separate interviews with newsmen, the physicians said the three major health conditions that people exposed to dirty ACs risk coming down with are asthma, allergies, and lung infections. The experts further mentioned that various irritants in dirty ACs can especially, trigger asthma attacks, or cause allergies.

A pulmonologist with the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Olusola Adeyelu, said when the hair in the lungs is matted with dust coming from dirty ACs, it attracts dangerous particles that are harmful to the respiratory system.

The physician added that dirty AC affects the lungs and also obstructs the free flow of air, stressing that this could lead to coughing and sneezing.

While describing asthma as an obstructive respiratory disease, the expert said inhaling dust from dirty AC could lead to people developing allergies and suffering from other respiratory problems.

“Dust affects the clearance of the airways should there be an accumulation of particles. Particles start from 2.5 micromillimeters to ten. There are some bigger than that and some lower than that. Lungs have hair like the ones on our heads. When you inhale dust, the dust is matted to the particle of the hair, which is a normal natural part of the body. If the hair and the dust are matted together, that means it affects clear lungs. And when it affects the lungs, there will be no clear flow of air. With this, you are inviting fungi, viruses, and organisms that are strange to that place. The hair is now paralysed and they can’t move. And that is how it leads to disease and multiple other problems. Then, your body starts getting cold and you start sneezing or coughing badly. And contrary to people’s opinion, cough is an attempt at overcoming irritation. Cough is not a disease. So, nobody should be given cough syrup except for a few that want to take something sweet having been deprived of such in childhood, or those who want to get high because it makes people drowsy,” he noted.

On those more prone to respiratory challenges occasioned by such exposure, the pulmonologist said smokers and those already exposed to dusty environments.

“Always ensure to clean the evaporator and condenser coils in the AC if you are a smoker, or work in a cement factory. Those in the Niger Delta region are prone to such risk due to the constant inhaling of gas that hangs thickly in the air. Also people that suffered repeated childhood pneumonia because their airways would have become narrowed. There are some peculiar diseases called cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that affects a protein in the body are open to these things. Those that are diabetic are also at risk because individuals with diabetes can come down with any other ailment. It also affects bankers, mostly those that work with dirty money. Also, age is another factor. You are also open to that type of risk as you advance in age.”

On his part, a pulmonologist at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Dr Tope Oni said dirty air conditioners can gradually lead to severe respiratory complications as dust mites are the foremost triggering factor for asthma exacerbation.

According to him, the biggest danger of having a dirty air conditioner in the home is the risk of developing respiratory problems.

The respiratory expert noted that air conditioners should be cleaned regularly to prevent these pollutants from building up. He also said people who have respiratory problems, like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are especially vulnerable to the effects of dirty ACs.

To clean an air conditioner, the physician recommended using a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt from the unit’s filters. He also said people should change the filters every three months, and check the coils for any build-up of debris.

“All chronic lung diseases have triggers, which make them to become symptomatic. The incidence of asthma in young children and older people is increasing. They are suffering from chronic lung disease. Besides keeping the AC filters inside cars and the car interiors clean, we need to keep the filters of home ACs clean as well. Indoor air quality is often overlooked, but it’s very important for our health. Dirty air conditioners are just one example of how indoor air quality can be compromised. The bottom line is that we all need to be more aware of the air we breathe, both indoors and out. We can take simple steps to improve our indoor air quality, which can have a big impact on our health,” he stated.

In addition to cleaning air conditioners and taking other steps to improve indoor air quality, Oni said that people should also talk to their doctors about their exposure to pollutants and the risk of developing respiratory problems.

“If you have any concerns about your indoor air quality or your respiratory health, please don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor,” he advised.

Oni stressed that the key to preventing respiratory problems is a comprehensive approach.” It’s not just about cleaning your air conditioner or opening your windows. It’s about taking all of the necessary steps to keep your indoor air clean and your lungs healthy,” he concluded.

PUNCH/Wumi