You know the feeling: You turn on the air conditioning on a hot summer day and suddenly find yourself sniffling, coughing, or sneezing. You wonder to yourself, “Could I be allergic to the AC?”

The short answer is no. However, you can be allergic to the quality of the air circulating through your air conditioning unit.

While your air conditioning isn’t what’s making you sick, it can circulate air contaminants that are the root of your issues. The unit itself may even house the problem.

If you start to feel unwell when you turn on the air conditioning, several airborne allergens could be to blame. Air conditioning units can also spread bacteria and viruses.

生物污染会导致过敏反应，包括超敏反应肺炎，过敏性鼻炎， 和asthma.

在大型建筑物中，通过生活在通风系统中的微生物释放的毒素可能会影响人们。对空气污染反应的症状可包括：

老年人，儿童和具有现有呼吸问题的人更容易受到空气污染物的影响。

Pollen

Many people are allergic to various types of花粉. Pollen comes from plants and can be found inside buildings. It can get inside through open doors and windows, but it can also be tracked into buildings on shoes or clothes.

Pollen particles are usually large enough to settle onto surfaces, but can be disturbed by air flow and stay suspended in the air for hours.

减少花粉室室内水平的有效方法是保持窗户和门关闭。

Dust mites

Dust mitesfeed primarily on human skin and are commonly found in homes or other buildings. They can breed inside your air conditioner.

These organisms like to reproduce in warm, damp conditions. According to Berkeley Lab, 40 to 50 percent maintained relative humidity decreases dust mite prevalence.

宠物抚栓

宠物皮屑含有一些人过敏的蛋白质。稍后可以在生活中发展过敏。宠物剥皮可以脱离空气，你的交流电脑可以循环剥皮，导致过敏症状。

Dander can be minimized by washing your pets regularly. If this doesn’t help, you may want to consider medications like过敏针.

Mold and mildew

Your air conditioning unit may be a breeding ground for模具and mildew. These organisms flourish in damp environments. If your AC unit has a damp or wet cooling coil, humidifier, or condensate pan, you can develop a mold or mildew problem.

模具和霉菌可以释放导致过敏反应甚至疾病的毒素。

细菌和病毒

人们和动物可以将细菌或病毒携带到家里，或者它们可以从土壤和植物碎片中进入。某些细菌和病毒可以通过空气传递。您的空调单元可以传播它们，导致您生病。

Airborne bacteria and viruses include:

污染

Air pollutionis often thought of as something you find outdoors, but air pollution is also commonly found inside. It can cause coughing, agitate asthma, and decrease lung function.

考虑空气净化器或净化植物用于室内空气污染。

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

VOC是脱气化学品的结果。他们可以来自一系列产品，包括家庭清洁用品。

您的空调单元可以循环这些有毒气体，特别是如果用这些产品清洁。查看您正在使用的清洁剂，寻找安全的替代方案。

如果您因室内空气污染而感到不生病，而不是对待您的症状，您应该对待您的家：

  • Replace yourair filters. (HEPA filters can remove99.9％粒子高于一定尺寸。）
  • Clean registers and return vents (the intake and output vents).
  • Clean the ductwork below or above your home.
  • Clean dust and debris, including around the outdoor AC unit.
  • Keep an eye out for mold, and remove it promptly.
  • Get an air purifier.
  • Control the relative humidity in your home to block the growth of biological organisms.
  • 去除任何常设水，防水材料或湿表面，以防止模具，霉菌，细菌和螨虫的生长。
  • 您的空调管道专业清洁。

Most issues that come from air conditioning are the result of airborne contaminants. However, in some rare cases, the cold air from air conditioning can cause skin reactions.

In one documented实例, a woman developed hives when her co-workers turned on the air conditioning.

导致这种情况的情况称为冷荨麻疹：暴露于寒冷的温度导致hives在几分钟内出现在皮肤上。在某些情况下，冷荨麻疹会导致肿胀。

对这种情况的另一个严重反应是过敏反应,这会导致昏厥,他叫rt racing, the swelling of the limbs or torso, and shock.

The worst cases of cold urticaria occur when there is full skin exposure to cold. Swimming in cold water can be life-threatening for those with cold urticaria, as it can result in low blood pressure, fainting, or shock.

感冒荨麻疹的症状范围从患有次要到严重，而且这种情况最常发生在年轻的成年人中。

建议使用冷荨麻疹的人保护皮肤，避免接触冷空气或水，并避免与冷物品或表面接触。潮湿和刮风的条件会导致这种情况的症状眩光。

If you experience a skin reaction after cold exposure, even if the reaction is mild, talk to a doctor. Seek medical help if you experience anaphylaxis or have difficulty breathing.

While it may seem as if you’re allergic to your AC, you’re most likely just having a reaction to air contaminants being circulated by the unit. There are a number of possible things that can cause airborne contaminants in your home, but there are also ways to minimize these allergens.

在极少数情况下，对空调的反应可以来自称为冷荨麻疹的病症。如果您怀疑您可能有此条件，请与您的医生交谈。