Can AC Make You Dehydrated? Expert Weighs In

The use of air conditioning (AC) becomes a regular practice in summer. While AC makes the indoor environment comfortable and relaxing, it poses several health risks as well. One such risk is dehydration. Read to know more about it.

To understand this better, we reached out to Dr Pooja Pillai, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore and Dr Koushik N, Consultant, Pulmonologist and Sleep Medicine Specialist, Aster RV Hospital, Bangalore.

Does AC Cause Dehydration?

Let us straightaway get to the point and understand whether AC can cause dehydration or not.  “Yes, AC can make you feel more dehydrated, although it does not directly remove water from your body like sweating in heat, but it creates a dry indoor environment that slowly reduces moisture from your skin and respiratory system. AC works by cooling and removing humidity from the air; this dry air can increase water loss through your skin and breathing, especially if you spend many hours in an air-conditioned room without drinking enough fluids,” explains Dr Pillai.

Dr Koushik adds, “Your body requires less water because AC rooms reduce your thirst mechanisms, which lead to decreased hydration. Indoor environments also lead to increased caffeine consumption among people, which results in greater fluid depletion from their bodies.” 

A 2023 study, published in the Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, states that those who spend long periods of time in AC rooms may experience regular physical discomfort such as dry eyes, sore throat, stuffy nose, and headaches. The findings added that when an individual regularly breathes the cold and dry air produced by an AC, their respiratory tract gets irritated and inflamed. This may harm their overall lung function. 

Symptoms of Dehydration Caused by AC

Dr Pillai shares that you may not feel thirsty as much in a cool environment, which can make you drink less water than your body actually needs, and this can lead to mild dehydration over time. The expert adds that common signs of dehydration in AC environments include: 

• Dry skin.
• Chapped lips.
• Dry eyes.
• Headache.
• Tiredness.
• Dizziness.

“These signs are often ignored because the environment feels comfortable,” adds Dr Pillai.

Who is more at risk? Explaining this, Dr Pillai says, “People who already have conditions such as dehydration, dry skin, or respiratory issues may feel these effects more strongly, especially if the AC is used continuously. AC can also dry out the nose and throat, which may lead to irritation, cough, or a feeling of dryness, particularly in offices where airflow is constant and humidity is low.”

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Tips To Prevent Dehydration 

Dr Pillai shares some tips to prevent dehydration: 

• It is important to drink water regularly even if you are not feeling very thirsty.
• Include fluids such as coconut water, buttermilk, or fresh juices in your routine.
• Using a humidifier or keeping a bowl of water in the room can help add some moisture back into the air.
• Applying moisturiser can protect your skin from dryness.

Dr Koushik adds that people should establish regular water consumption patterns, while using an AC; consume fruits and other foods with high water content. “People who spend extended time in cold dry environments need to prioritise their hydration practice,” concludes the expert.

ALSO READ- Does Going From AC to Hot Weather Stress Your Body? Expert Answers

Conclusion

AC can make you more dehydrated as it creates a dry indoor environment that slowly reduces moisture from your skin and respiratory system. Since AC functions by cooling and removing humidity from the air, this dry air can increase water loss through your skin and breathing, especially if you spend many hours in an AC room without drinking enough fluids. Thus, the key is to keep drinking water and hydrating foods.