AIR CONDITIONERS - A BLISS OR A CHALLENGE!!

Main Article Content

Farah Mushtaq
Sunidhi Sharma
Muzzamil Mushtaq

Keywords

Air conditioners (AC), Respiratory mechanism, Temperature changes

Abstract

Air conditioner, popularly known as “AC” is one amongst the luxuries in today’s era. Continuous use of Air conditioners for longer durations seems pleasant and comfortable but it has its cons too. The effects are reflected on respiratory system as AC’s cause the increased inhalation of cold dry air  making the airway smooth muscle more sensitive and leading to bronchoconstriction. This may lead to  altered respiratory rate and pattern with decreased chest circumference. So, this study was carried out to make out the effect of AC usage on respiratory rate and chest expansion of AC users and its comparison with that of Non AC users considering the usage of the same in the long run.

Abstract 20 | PDF Downloads 2

References

1. Crapo Ro, Lockey J, Aldrich.V, Jenson RL, Ellcot C.G. Normal spirometric values in healthy American Indians Journal of Occupational Medicine 1988;30:556-560.
2. American Thoracic Society Lung function testing; selection of reference values and interpretive strategies; an official statement. American Review of Respiratory diseases.1991;144: 1202-18.
3. Mc. Donald, James S., Joann Nelson, K.A. Lenner, Melissal. et al. Effects of the combination of skin cooling and hyperpnoea of frigid air in asthmatic and normal subjects. Journal of Applied Physiology 1997; 82 (2): 453-459.
4. Zattara-Hartmonn, et al. Changes in airway resistance induced by nasal inhalation of cold dry, dry of moist air in normal individuals. Journal of Applied physiology, Oct, 1996; 81 [4]:1739-1743.
5. George OS, Chandan ML. A study of Peak expiratory flow rate in Air conditioner users. International journal of Basic and Applied Physiology 2012; 1(1): 151-154.
6. Babitha R, Rangarajan R, Muhil M, Basavarajah MG. PFT in Air conditioner users. Journal of clinical and diagnostic research 2011; 5(3): 532-535.
7. McDonald J, Nelson J, Lenner K.A , Mc lane M and McFadden ER, JR. Effects of the combination of skin cooling and hyperpnea of frigid air in asthmatic and normal subjects. Journal of Applied Physiology 1997; 82(2): 453–459.
8. Fontanari P, Burnet H, Zattara-Harttmann MC, Jammes Y. Changes in the airway resistance induced by nasal inhalation of cold dry, dry or moist air in normal individuals. Journal of Applied Physiology 1996; 81(4): 1739-1743.
9. Hulke MS, Thakare A, Patil P, Shete AS, Vaidya PY. Pulmonary functions in air conditioner users. Medical Journal of Dr. D.Y. Patil University. 2013: 6 (1); 21-24.