Increasing Air Conditioner Use in Hot Weather... 'Summer Rhinitis' Warning

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Summer has begun. Even in early June, the daytime high temperature in Seoul has already exceeded 30 degrees Celsius, bringing early heat and increasing indoor air conditioner usage. However, with a daily temperature difference exceeding 10 degrees between the lowest and highest temperatures, and the indoor-outdoor temperature gap decreasing due to air conditioner use, caution is needed as this can lead to weakened immunity and the onset of summer rhinitis.

Typically, summer sees a reduction in rhinitis due to the hot and humid weather. The weather promotes good blood circulation and keeps the mucous membranes inside the nose well-moisturized. However, frequent use of air conditioners can easily dry out the nose, and if air conditioners and fans are not properly maintained, they can actually trigger allergies.

Rhinitis is broadly classified into allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis occurs when the immune globulin E (IgE) antibodies react to specific substances such as pollen or house dust mites, causing an allergic reaction. If rhinitis symptoms suddenly appear after starting air conditioning in summer, allergic rhinitis should be suspected. If air conditioner filters are not properly maintained, dust, mites, and mold can circulate indoors, and the same applies when using dusty fans without cleaning them.

To prevent allergic rhinitis, it is essential to regularly clean cooling devices such as air conditioner filters and fan blades, and to ventilate frequently. If the indoor air is dry, using a humidifier to increase humidity is also beneficial. However, the humidifier must be cleaned frequently to prevent mold growth. For households with rhinitis symptoms, frequently washing bedding, sofas, curtains, and carpets can also help.

Allergic rhinitis can improve with medication and environmental improvements, but if left untreated in the early stages and symptoms persist for a long time, it can develop into asthma or sinusitis (chronic sinus infection). Additionally, if rhinitis symptoms continue for an extended period despite seasonal changes or environmental improvements, structural problems inside the nasal cavity should be suspected. The representative structural issues are nasal septal deviation and nasal valve stenosis. Nasal septal deviation is a condition where the nasal septum, the partition dividing the inside of the nose into left and right, is bent. It can cause rhinitis and sinusitis, leading to chronic nasal congestion and excessive nasal discharge, which may result in headaches and decreased concentration. Nasal valve stenosis is a narrowing of the nasal valve, the narrow passage through which air passes inside the nose, causing nasal congestion, sinusitis, headaches, and eye pain.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.