HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)cold temperatureI have a runny nose. Is it due to the use of an air conditioner?

Does constant exposure to cold temperature from an air conditioner cause nasal blockage and yellow mucus?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At July 15, 2022
Reviewed AtOctober 17, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Does daily exposure to a very cold air conditioner cause sinusitis and colored mucus in the nose? I feel freezing from the air conditioner, leading to repeated nose blockage. Initially, I used to have a running nose, but now the mucus color has turned yellow. Can the repeated exposure to the air conditioner turn the mucus color from the nose to yellow?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, some air conditioners act as a home for bacteria. This bacteria can harm your respiratory system turning the color of the mucus yellow. I think that now you need an antibiotic course to eradicate the bacterial infection, and you have to clean the air filters of your air conditioner. Also, do not adjust the air conditioner to a low temperature, as it seems you are allergic to cold air.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply. How to know that I am allergic to cold weather? Is there a particular test or medical examination? I have this problem at work, not at home. Here they keep the air conditioner at a low temperature, and I start to have a stuffy nose and sometimes runny, pain around my cheeks, eyes, and forehead, headache, toothache, pain in the ear, and I cannot smell very well. I was taking treatment for this, but no result. Which temperature is suitable for people with allergies to cold weather?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

There is a test that can confirm allergic rhinitis. This test is to check IgE levels in the blood. Sneezing, runny nose, and nasal itching are symptoms of allergy to cold air and environmental factors like dust, smoke, carpets smell, perfumes, and so on. While teeth pain, headache, yellow mucus, and pain around the cheeks are symptoms of secondary bacterial infection on top of allergic rhinitis. There is no suitable temperature for allergic rhinitis patients, as it differs from one patient to another. Let me know the medications that you took earlier for this case to help you better?

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Mohammed Osama Aboborda
Dr. Mohammed Osama Aboborda

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

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