Air conditioning can give you headaches or make your headaches more intense. Of course, we’re not doctors, so if you’re experiencing headaches frequently, you should check in with your doctor to see what might be going on. However, you also might want to arm yourself with information about how air conditioning affects you, so you and your doctor can assess if it is contributing to your problem. Here are some reasons air conditioning may give you a headache.
1. Dehydration
If your headaches are caused by dehydration, then your air conditioner may be contributing. All air conditioners naturally dehumidify the air. Usually, there is increased humidity in your home over summer, and your air conditioner simply helps return the moisture levels to something more comfortable. However, if you are dehydrated, this may only make you more uncomfortable and increase your headaches.
It’s not a good idea to turn off your air conditioner or even your dehumidifier in this case. It’s usually more effective to drink more water to prevent these headaches.
2. Vasoconstriction
When we are cold, our bodies naturally shrink or constrict. This is an attempt to retain heat. If the blood vessels in your brain constrict during this, then you can get a headache. You can avoid this by staying cool, but not uncomfortably cold. You may have a tolerance for cold, so try raising your thermostat temperature by a degree or two to see if that relieves your headache.
3. Trigeminal Nerve Irritation
The trigeminal nerve is a nerve in your head. It is known as the fifth cranial nerve, and it does things like help you bite and chew. It can be irritated by suddenly cold conditions, which could result in a headache.
4. Airborne Contaminants
Many different airborne contaminants have the ability to trigger a headache, including allergens such as those from pollen, dander, mold or dust. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are also capable of producing a headache. Turning on your air conditioner may simply circulate these airborne contaminants and increase your exposure. You can use HEPA filters, especially those with carbon filters, to absorb these contaminants. Scheduling an air duct cleaning can also help reduce accumulated contaminants in your system.
5. Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a serious health risk and exposure to it can cause headaches. Your air conditioner is unlikely to produce it, but turning on the air conditioner can circulate the gas from its source to your nose. The headache caused by this gas is usually described as “dull.” You may alo feel weak, dizzy, or start to experience more serious symptoms like:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Loss of consciousness
If you suspect you may have carbon monoxide poisoning, you should seek fresh air immediately and then seek medical attention.
6. Noise
Air conditioners make some noise but should be relatively quiet. However, if something is wrong with it, particularly with the fan, then the air conditioner may make some awful noises. Certainly, repeated awful noises can create headaches. The best thing to do in this case is to have a technician fix the air conditioner.
Need More Help?
Consulting with a local air conditioning specialist can help you better understand what’s going on, and it’s hard to beat hands-on experience. And if you’re looking for an air conditioning expert in Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, or the greater East Bay, we’re happy to help.
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