Ask A Scientist© Biology Archive

Author:      freeman
Text:        What affect does air conditioning have upon the lungs of the 
elderly?  Is it possible for a person susceptible to congestion, etc. during 
the winter months from cold to exhibit the same symptoms from the cold of the 
air conditioning?

Response #:  1 of 1
Author:      psych
Text:        Most people who have symptoms of congestion do not have them 
because of cold air.  There are a lot of reasons why people have health 
problems such as congestion (allergies, auto-immune problems, physical damage, 
and many more).  The answer to the first question is I do not think air 
conditioning has any specific effects on lungs.  It can help in a couple of 
ways, it will usually help filter air to a degree which is good, it also will 
help keep people form overheating.  As people get older it gets easier to 
overheat and end up with problems from that.  In certain types of air 
conditioning equipment its important to keep it clean, certain kinds of 
bacteria that can be harmful will grow in AC water and can be contagious.