Air conditioning is a common tool used to beat the heat, but improper use can pose serious health risks. According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Thuy Hau from Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, setting air conditioners too low can trigger heat stroke by causing rapid changes in body temperature, leading to adverse health consequences.
Exposure to sudden and extreme temperature changes increases the risk of heat stroke, and individuals such as outdoor workers, young children, the elderly, pregnant women, those with underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and diabetes are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Air conditioning itself does not cause heat stroke directly; rather, hot weather can elevate body temperature and dehydration levels. Prolonged exposure to low temperatures from air conditioning can further contribute to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Symptoms of heat stroke include skin redness and dryness, increased body temperature, fatigue, headaches, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and altered consciousness. In addition to these symptoms, temperature differences caused by air conditioning can lead to allergic reactions
