Office Workers Beware: Sudden Shifts Between Cold Air-Conditioning and Harsh Sunlight Can Cause Illness Without Warning

Office workers should be cautious: extreme heat alternating with cold air conditioning can prevent the body from adjusting in time, increasing the risk of illness. Doctors from Chiang Mai University warn to watch for symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion, and recommend self-care methods for those working outdoors and in offices to stay safe amid sudden weather changes.

Amid soaring temperatures reaching 42 degrees Celsius in northern Thailand, many office workers might think escaping the sun to a cool air-conditioned room is the safest option. However, rapid temperature changes that the body cannot adjust to quickly are the main reason office workers become more susceptible to illness during this period.

Why do rapid weather changes cause illness?

Assistant Professor Dr. Boriboon Chenthanakit from the Faculty of Medicine at Chiang Mai University emphasizes that moving from an air-conditioned room to extreme heat outside, or vice versa—entering a cold office after facing intense sunlight—forces the body to adjust temperature very quickly. This condition lowers immune system function and leads to subsequent health problems.

Check for symptoms and warning signs that your body is beginning to"struggle"

When the body cannot adapt quickly to extreme temperature differences, the following symptoms often appear:

• Early symptoms: Feeling uncomfortable, chills, or easily catching colds.
• Respiratory symptoms: Nasal congestion, runny nose, coughing, or sore throat, which are more common during periods of alternating thunderstorms and heat.
• Heat-related symptoms: After coming in from intense sunlight, you may experience heat exhaustion such as fatigue, excessive sweating, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Dehydration: Even in air-conditioned rooms, the body can lose water easily, causing dry skin or dry eyes.

Prevention tips for office workers

To reduce the risk of illness due to rapid weather changes, follow these guidelines:

• Adjust your body temperature before entering or leaving: Upon arriving at the office, avoid walking directly into a spot with strong air conditioning. Instead, sit in an area with moderate temperature to allow your body to adjust gradually.
• Keep a jacket at your desk: This helps maintain stable body temperature when working long hours in air-conditioned environments.
• Drink enough water: It is recommended to drink 6-8 glasses of clean water daily, even if working in air conditioning and not feeling thirsty.
• Avoid stimulants: Reduce intake of coffee (caffeine) or strongly sweetened drinks at your desk, as these increase water loss in the body.

Self-care when symptoms begin

If you start feeling chills or heat exhaustion from commuting,

• Get enough rest: To help your immune system recover and function fully.
• Adjust surrounding temperature: Avoid setting the air conditioning too cold while your body is weak. 
• Drink water frequently: If feeling dizzy or lightheaded, sip water and wipe your body with cool water to help dissipate heat accumulated from outside.
• Watch for severe symptoms: If you have a high fever but no sweating or begin to feel confused (signs of heat stroke), you should seek medical attention immediately.

Alternating between 42-degree Celsius heat and cold office air conditioning is not trivial. Office workers should regularly monitor their health and adjust habits to safely get through these unstable weather conditions.