Air conditioners used in hot weather increase the risk of Legionnaires' disease
Experts warn that the widespread use of air conditioning in hot weather can cause Legionnaires' disease, which is often mistaken for a simple flu and leads to pneumonia.
Air conditioners, frequently preferred in hot weather, bring along serious health problems when not properly cleaned. Experts state that Legionnaires' disease, whose symptoms are confused with the flu, is actually a type of pneumonia and spreads due to bacteria breeding in the filters.
Air Conditioner Use and Legionnaires' Disease
Dr. Özkan Akyol, Internal Medicine Specialist from Liv Hospital Samsun Internal Medicine Clinic, stated that air conditioners used in hot weather can lay the groundwork for various health problems. Legionnaires' disease is among the most dangerous diseases transmitted via air conditioning.
Symptoms and History of the Disease
Legionnaires' disease manifests itself with symptoms such as widespread muscle and joint pain, headache, fatigue, restlessness, and fever. First observed in 1976 at a meeting in the US state of Pennsylvania, it was determined that this ailment originated from the ventilation system.
Spread of the Bacteria and Risk Groups
The bacterium named Legionella pneumophilia multiplies in the filter systems of air conditioners and spreads into the environment. While the disease is not transmitted from person to person, those at risk include hotel and office workers, healthcare personnel, diabetics, alcoholics, chemotherapy patients, chronic kidney and lung patients, and smokers.
Symptoms Different from Pneumonia
Unlike typical pneumonia, this ailment can cause muscle-joint pain, fever, dry cough, and digestive system findings, as well as agitation and concentration disorders.
Treatment Methods and Other Risks
The disease, which is treated with antibiotics, should not be evaluated as a simple flu infection. Additionally, mold fungi breeding in poorly cleaned air conditioners can lead to allergic rhinitis and asthma, while improper use of car air conditioners can cause sinusitis, ear infections, and facial paralysis.