What causes nausea from being exposed to air conditioning?

Oct 13, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Feeling nauseous from using the air conditioner may be due to excessively low temperatures, causing stomach cooling, gastric spasms, or increased gastric acid secretion. It could also result from uncleaned air conditioner filters that allow bacteria to grow and multiply, leading to excessive dust and mold in the indoor air. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can also cause such symptoms, typically triggered by excessive mental stress, psychological pressure, or intestinal infections.

Feeling nauseous from air conditioning could be due to excessively low temperatures or microbial growth, or it might indicate irritable bowel syndrome.

1. Low Temperature

Feeling nauseous from air conditioning may result from setting the temperature too low, causing the stomach to become chilled and leading to gastric spasms or increased gastric acid secretion. Symptoms can usually be effectively relieved by keeping the abdomen warm and applying appropriate heat therapy and massage to promote gastrointestinal motility.

2. Microbial Growth

Nausea may also occur if the air conditioner's filter has not been cleaned regularly, allowing large amounts of bacteria to grow and multiply. This causes excessive dust and mold to become suspended in the indoor air, potentially triggering the aforementioned symptoms.

3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome may also experience such symptoms. This condition is typically caused by excessive mental stress, high psychological pressure, or intestinal infections. Common symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Some patients may also experience fatigue, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux, or dysmenorrhea.