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Dehydration Symptoms, AC Side Effects: Nowadays, amidst the increasing heat, people assume that if they are working all day sitting in an AC office, then they are not in danger of heat or dehydration. But health experts say that this thinking is completely wrong. Yes, the summer is getting very intense these days. Be it Delhi or Uttar Pradesh, almost every state of the country is experiencing heat wave and scorching heat. The temperature is being measured up to 45 degrees. To get coolness, people used to install coolers or fans. But now AC has taken their place. Be it home or office, AC is available everywhere. Therefore, people are spending more time in its air.

However, it is better to stay inside in AC than in the sunlight outside. But it would be absolutely wrong to believe that AC is completely good for your body. Yes, because AC air dehydrates our body. Therefore, you may fall ill more often in summer.

What do experts say?

According to Dr. Pranjit Bhowmik, Chairman, Department of Internal Medicine, Asian Hospital, a large number of corporate employees are falling victim to ‘silent dehydration’, about which they are often not even aware. Dr. Bhowmik explains that sitting in an air-conditioned environment for a long time causes the body to slowly absorb water. There is very little humidity in an AC office, due to which the skin and respiratory system start drying up.

What is the reason for this?

Actually, people’s body does not release sweat due to prolonged exposure to AC air. Due to lack of sweating, it is not understood that their body is continuously losing water. This is the reason why many people drink less water throughout the day and consume more coffee, tea or packaged drinks. Many times the body gets dehydrated but we often ignore its symptoms.

Early symptoms of dehydration

• persistent headache
• feeling tired after noon
• dry lips
• Acidity
• trouble concentrating
• weakness
• Constipation
• muscle cramps
• feeling very tired after work

Many times working people consider it to be just stress, work pressure or lack of sleep, whereas the real reason could be lack of water and electrolytes in the body.

Why do office goers remain more dehydrated?

Experts say that office workers have to face sudden changes in temperature several times throughout the day. Sometimes they come out of a cool AC room directly into the scorching heat, such as when they have to go out for lunch break or some small work. In such a situation, the body suddenly has to work harder to cool or warm itself. This causes rapid sweating and water loss in the body may further increase. If a person is already suffering from some degree of dehydration, then even in short periods of heat, problems like dizziness, weakness, migraine, nervousness or rapid heartbeat start occurring.

Drinking less water in summer also causes dehydration

People in the office deliberately drink less water due to continuous meetings or sitting continuously so that they do not have to go to the washroom again and again. At the same time, they also consume more caffeine than required. This also causes lack of water in the body. In such a situation, these people should eat more fresh fruits, fresh food and things rich in electrolytes. One should keep drinking water from time to time.

How to avoid this dehydration?

This silent dehydration can be easily avoided. For this, instead of waiting for feeling thirsty, one should drink water after some time. In summer, it is beneficial to include coconut water, buttermilk and fresh fruits in the diet. Also, instead of going directly from the AC room into the bright sunlight, the body should be given a few minutes time so that it can adjust to the temperature.