Heat exposure can lead to serious health risks, including dehydration. When moving between indoor spaces with continuous air conditioning, abrupt changes in temperature can constrict blood vessels, impede blood circulation, and increase the likelihood of heat stroke and stroke.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Thuy Hau from the Department of General Internal Medicine at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi warns about the risks of improper air conditioning usage. Setting the air conditioner to a temperature significantly lower than the ambient temperature can trigger heat stroke by causing rapid changes in body temperature, leading to adverse health consequences.
People are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses when exposed to sudden and extreme temperature changes. Outdoor workers, young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and diabetes are at higher risk. Air conditioning itself does not cause heat stroke directly; however, hot weather can elevate body temperature, resulting in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Prolonged exposure to low temperatures from air conditioning can further contribute to dehydration, which can have detrimental effects on overall health.
Symptoms of heat stroke may include skin redness and dryness, increased body temperature, fatigue, headaches
