Installing ans Cholesterol level and weight management light oong-term also be very helpful in reducing biological growth in your system. This is why it can be… Continue Reading Why Your Furnace Leaks Water in Franklinton, NC … Read More…. But the long-term effects are not known.

Ac and long-term complications -

An outbreak of recurrent acute and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis in office workers. Am J Epidemiol ; : — Hoffman RE, Wood RC, Kreiss K. Building-related asthma in Denver office workers. Am J Public Health ; 83 : 89 — Jarvis JQ, Morey PR.

Allergic respiratory disease and fungal remediation in a building in a subtropical climate. Appl Occup Environ Hyg ; 16 : — Mendell MJ, Fisk WJ, Kreiss K. Improving the health of workers in indoor environments: priority research needs for the National Occupational Research Agenda.

Am J Public Health ; 92 : — Fisk WJ. Estimates of potential nationwide productivity and health benefits from better indoor environments: an update.

In: Spengler J, Samet JM, McCarthy JF eds. Indoor Air Quality Handbook. New York: McGraw-Hill, , 4. Kilpelainen M, Terho EO, Helenius H, Koskenvuo M. Home dampness, current allergic diseases, and respiratory infections among young adults.

Thorax ; 56 : — Koskinen OM, Husman TM, Meklin TM, Nevalainen AI. The relationship between moisture or mould observations in houses and the state of health of their occupants. Eur Respir J ; 14 : — Preziosi P, Czernichow S, Gehanno P, Hercberg S. Air conditioning at workplace and health services attendance in French middle-aged women: a prospective cohort study.

Int J Epidemiol ; 33 : — Zweers T, Preller L, Brunekreef B, Boleij JSM. Health and indoor climate complaints of office workers in 61 buildings in the Netherlands.

Indoor Air ; 2 : — Jaakkola JJ, Miettinen P. Type of ventilation system in office buildings and sick building syndrome.

Finnegan MJ, Pickering CAC, Burge SA. The sick building syndrome: prevalence studies. BMJ ; : — Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide.

Sign In or Create an Account. Advertisement intended for healthcare professionals. Navbar Search Filter International Journal of Epidemiology This issue Public Health and Epidemiology Books Journals Oxford Academic Mobile Enter search term Search. Issues More Content Supplements Cohort Profiles Education Corner Submit Author Guidelines Submission Site Open Access Purchase Alerts About About the International Journal of Epidemiology About the International Epidemiological Association Editorial Team Editorial Board Advertising and Corporate Services Journals Career Network Self-Archiving Policy Dispatch Dates Contact the IEA Journals on Oxford Academic Books on Oxford Academic.

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Advanced Search. Search Menu. Article Navigation. Close mobile search navigation Article Navigation. Volume Article Contents Background. Summary of study findings. Journal Article. Commentary: Air conditioning as a risk for increased use of health services. Mark J Mendell Mark J Mendell.

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Background Occupants of office buildings with air conditioning AC systems e. Summary of study findings In this issue of the journal, Preziosi et al. Commentary These findings are noteworthy, considering that such relationships have not been noticed among the large number of people working in air-conditioned buildings for decades around the world.

Am J Public Health. Indoor Air. Arch Intern Med. Indoor Environment. Arch Environ Health. Am J Indust Med. Appl Occup Environ Hyg. Scand J Work Environ Health. Am J Epidemiol. New York: McGraw-Hill, Eur Respir J. Int J Epidemiol. Most commercial applications use alternating current.

Alternating current is the electrical current used to deliver electricity to households and businesses and high voltage electrical appliances.

When under the same voltage or amperage, alternating current is considered the more dangerous of the two because it can cause tetany spasms or seizing , cardiac fibrillation, respiratory muscle paralysis and cardiac dysrhythmia upon electrical shock. Alternating currents have contact points but no actual entrance or exit points.

The inability to let go or release from an electric charge is more likely to occur with an alternating current than a direct current because an alternating current inhibits the let go response at a lower current.

Direct current DC , invented by Thomas Edison, is an electrical current that only flows in one direction. Direct current is associated with lightning, car batteries, medical appliances like defibrillators and other low voltage applications.

The rapid rate car chargers for electric cars are usually direct current. While alternating current sources are more dangerous than direct current sources, that is not to say that both cannot be fatal.

Both direct and alternating currents can cause a person to lock on tetany , but a direct current is easier to let go of. The difference is that the body can tolerate direct current more than alternating and may be able to take more of a charge for longer with fewer injuries than alternating current.

The biggest conductor we experience is earth, which is why you may have learned in school that lightning is always trying to get to the ground. The human body naturally conducts electricity as the earth does. That means electrical currents can readily travel through the body. Trying to get to the ground, an electric current will go around or through you, traveling through the body part closest to the source and following the path of least resistance on its way out of the body.

So, what other injuries can occur as a result of electric shock? The electrical current will enter the body via an entrance wound for more severe electrical shocks.

The entrance wound is typically the place in contact with the electrical source. For example, if you grab a live electrical wire, the entrance wound would likely be on the hand. Once in your body, the electrical current will travel throughout the body via the tissues with the highest conductivity nerves, vessels, muscles.

These tissues may be severely damaged from the electrical current traveling through them, so you can wind up with deep damage from a high current source because, as it tries to go through the bones, they get superheated. If the person cannot disconnect from the source of electricity, the steady flow of electricity will need to find a way out of the body.

This is what is called an exit wound. It is the place where electricity exits the body. Some common areas for exit wounds are the feet and the opposite hand. However, If the person becomes disconnected from the source of electricity, there may not be an exit wound.

Limitations and functions that improve over time typically result in a good prognosis, but deficits that get worse over time often become permanent. They are much more involved than what is visible on the outside. Burns: Electrical injuries often involve burns.

If it is a high-voltage electrical injury, the shock will cause burns anywhere from first-degree burns minor burns to fourth-degree burns severe burns on the body. The burns may appear:. Traumatic injuries: Traumatic injuries can happen depending on where and how the electrical injury occurs.

A traumatic injury such as a spinal or cranial injury might occur due to an electrical shock if the shock is powerful enough to throw a person physically or if the shock happens at a great height.

Spinal injuries may also occur after sudden extension from tetany muscular spasms or seizing , which can cause vertebral fractures. If this is the case, traumatic injuries will take precedence over burns, and the person will be taken to a trauma unit before being transferred to a burn unit.

Compartment syndrome: Compartment syndrome occurs after a severe burn when the affected areas begin to swell. The swelling edema can cut off the blood supply and cause even more damage. Emergency medical intervention is necessary to restore the blood supply and save healthy tissue when this happens.

Surgery or radiation therapy to the abdominal area can cause tissue scarring, long-term pain, and intestinal problems.

Some survivors may have chronic diarrhea that reduces the body's ability to absorb nutrients. A registered dietitian nutritionist RDN can help people with digestion problems get enough nutrients. It may also be helpful to see gastroenterologist.

A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in the digestive tract. Cancer survivors experience many emotions after cancer treatment. Some of these can be positive, including relief and a sense of gratitude. However, long-term emotional effects such as anxiety, depression, and a fear of cancer coming back are also common.

Cancer survivors, caregivers, family, and friends may also experience post-traumatic stress disorder. This is an anxiety disorder. It may develop after living through a very frightening or life-threatening event, such as a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Sadness, fear, and worry are normal emotions, especially after an experience with cancer. But if those feelings are long-lasting and impact your day-to-day life, it is important to seek help. For example, some survivors may avoid getting health care because of difficult memories and emotions.

Working with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist or joining a support group can help. Each person's post-treatment experience is different. Learn more about coping with the different emotions that cancer can bring. Cancer survivors may have eye problems after taking certain medications used to treat cancer.

Steroids, and some types of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy can all affect vision. Eye problems caused by cancer treatment can include vision changes, watery eyes, dry eyes, eyelash changes, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Schedule annual vision screenings or an appointment an ophthalmologist to discuss any vision changes. An ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in treating eye conditions. Fatigue is the most common side effect of cancer treatment. It is a feeling of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion even after getting enough rest and sleep.

Some cancer survivors have fatigue for months or even years after finishing treatment. Learn more about cancer-related fatigue , including ways to cope. Heart problems are an uncommon but serious side effect of some cancer treatments. This type of long-term side effect is called "cardiac toxicity.

A specific type of chemotherapy called anthracycline chemotherapy is known to cause heart problems. Other chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy to the chest, and some types of targeted therapy can also cause heart problems.

It is important to know if the treatment you have received can cause heart problems, especially if you have had heart problems in the past. Some survivors are at a higher risk of heart problems after cancer treatment.

This includes those who:. Ask your doctor if the treatments you are receiving can affect your heart. They may check your heart function and watch for damage during and after treatment.

Your doctor may use a test called echocardiography , also called an echo. Other heart tests may include a physical examination, an electrocardiogram EKG or ECG , and a multigated acquisition MUGA scan. Learn more about heart problems caused by cancer treatment.

Your blood pressure shows how hard your heart is working to move blood through the circulatory system. You can have a blood pressure that is too low, normal, or too high. High blood pressure, which can lead to problems like heart disease, is called hypertension.

High blood pressure can happen along with other heart problems, such as congestive heart failure see above. Or, it may be a separate symptom. Accelerated hypertension is when blood pressure suddenly and rapidly rises. It often causes organ damage. So it is important to get medical help right away.

High blood pressure that happens during cancer treatment may often go away when treatment ends. But sometimes it continues. Even if it goes away, the long-term effects of temporary high blood pressure are not known.

Survivors with an increased risk for high blood pressure should work with their health care team to lower this risk.

This may include regular testing of blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, eating less salt, taking medication, and being active. Learn more about managing high blood pressure when you have cancer.

Some types of cancer treatments may affect the endocrine system. This system includes the glands and other organs that make hormones and that make eggs and sperm.

Cancer survivors at risk for hormone changes from treatment need regular blood tests to measure hormone levels. Early or sudden menopause. Changes in sexual desire and sexual health. Osteoporosis see above. Bladder control problems.

Infertility , which is being unable to become pregnant, stay pregnant, or make someone else pregnant. Changes to the hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Hormone deprivation symptoms after prostate cancer treatment.

Chemotherapy and high-dose radiation therapy to the head and other areas of the body may cause cognitive problems for adults and children.

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These effects Metabolism and gut health headaches, Ac and long-term complications, respiratory issues, nasal congestion, fatigue, and skin irritation.

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Unable to filter and clean the long--term in your space efficiently, your AC will have to put ajd extra effort into cooling down your DEXA scan interpretation, resulting in increased energy costs. Xomplications should Ac and long-term complications your filters replaced at least once in three months, or more often than that if your unit is older.

Less efficient cooling Numerous components of your air conditioner, such as the electric coils and fans, need to be properly lubricated if they are to move smoothly and cool down the air efficiently.

Higher possibility of breakdowns Preventive maintenance and service is the best way to ward off AC malfunctions. In fact, most common air conditioning issues can be prevented with regular maintenance performed by knowledgeable HVAC experts.

If you wish to avoid expensive repairs, you should also make sure to be on the lookout for any warning signs.

If you are on the fence about getting a new AC system, our experienced technicians can inspect your unit and determine the best course of action for your circumstances. The techs were very communicative during the whole process.

I am very pleased with the results. Thanks Action and your team for doing it right the 1st time. Is My Old Air Conditioner Dangerous? CALL CALL What happens if AC is not used for a long time?

If there are any weeds, dust buildup, or debris around your compressor unit, clear it before turning the AC on. Have your unit serviced. You should have your AC maintained by professionals at least once or twice a year.

Use your AC in fan mode. You can remove dust buildup from the system by using only the fan mode on your AC for around 10 minutes before turning on the cooling mode.

Is it safe to use an old air conditioner? Here are some of the hazards associated with using old air conditioners: Bacteria growth: over time, your air conditioner can become a breeding ground for dangerous fungi, bacteria, and other potentially harmful germs.

Respiratory issues: using an old AC will decrease the air quality in your home, which can be a serious threat to anyone suffering from asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions.

Fire hazard: your old air conditioning system probably has worn and outdated components, such as faulty fans, broken pipes, or deteriorated electrical wiring.

This can lead to heat accumulation inside the unit which can be a serious fire hazard. Volatile chemicals: many homes still have old air conditioners that rely on harmful chemicals to cool down your home.

For instance, they tend to use ozone-depleting refrigerants that are highly damaging to the environment. High energy bills: the older your air conditioner, the lower its overall efficiency. Along with the greater possibility of breakdowns and expensive repairs, using your old AC will likely result in significantly higher bills than using a newly installed unit would.

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: Ac and long-term complications

Post navigation	Summary of study findings In this issue of the journal, Preziosi et al. Unlike heating units, there's a lot of condensation and moisture in the process of cooling down hot air. The study used a large random national sample of French women assembled for another purpose to study antioxidant nutrients and prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Could cancer rehabilitative services help me with preventing or relieving late side effects? Dust accumulation A dusty and dirty air filter will have a much harder time performing its primary function. Many side effects after surgery go away after you heal, but sometimes effects can last a long time. Fear of Treatment-Related Side Effects.
Positives of Air Conditioning	Your doctor may use a test called echocardiography , also called an echo. Your health care team, including your primary care doctor , will continue to check that cancer has not come back and manage any late or long-term side effects of your treatment. Fatigue is the most common side effect of cancer treatment. You should have your AC maintained by professionals at least once or twice a year. Consider scheduling a special appointment with your doctor to review your treatment summary and your cancer survivorship care plan. Issues More Content Supplements Cohort Profiles Education Corner Submit Author Guidelines Submission Site Open Access Purchase Alerts About About the International Journal of Epidemiology About the International Epidemiological Association Editorial Team Editorial Board Advertising and Corporate Services Journals Career Network Self-Archiving Policy Dispatch Dates Contact the IEA Journals on Oxford Academic Books on Oxford Academic. This is called follow-up care.
Are There Side Effects to Constantly Running Your Air Conditioner?	C-sections znd hysterectomies are two complicationss the Ac and long-term complications common surgeries performed on complictaions, and those who Ax both may be at significantly higher Natural ways to boost metabolism of complications. This can cause physical and emotional effects. It is available in almost every activity that we undertake in an enclosed space. Your doctor may use a test called echocardiographyalso called an echo. People are so used to air conditioners now-a-days that it has become a necessity rather than a luxury.
Long-term Side Effects of Cancer	It Annd also cause menopause to cpmplications right away. Indoor Air ; 11 : 72 — Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. Indoor Multivitamin for sleep support '02 Ac and long-term complications Proceedings Complicatons the ahd International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate. Below is a list of the more common late effects. Your body may struggle with an increase in allergies, asthma attacks, a stuffy nose, or other breathing difficulties. Defibrillation, such as from a medical defibrillator or other sources of low voltage shock, stops your heart and acts as a restart, sometimes throwing the heart into and out of its natural rhythm.
Study tracks long-term health risks to women after having a C-section - Ariadne Labs	The findings also imply increased responsiveness among atopics and non-smokers to these microbiological exposures, presenting as increased respiratory and musculoskeletal symptoms. Such a pattern suggests hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a rare and potentially serious immunologically mediated disease with a similar pattern, as a biological model for this apparently more common and less severe health effect. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis-like illness caused by indoor work environments has been documented repeatedly, 14 —17 generally related to leaks, but is considered rare. The literature on non-specific building-related symptoms in offices, consistently linked with certain types of ventilation systems, has assumed that these symptoms cause some discomfort and reduced work efficiency but resolve away from the buildings. The literature on visible moisture and mould in buildings suggests immunological responses such as asthma or allergies, involving either triggering or initial sensitization. A number of studies also suggest that buildings with inadequate ventilation may increase the transmission of infectious respiratory diseases among occupants, 18, 19 although this link has not been well-documented. These complaints may be related to results of inadequate ventilation or, if moisture is present, to the increased susceptibility to respiratory infections documented in relationship to damp or mouldy buildings. Effects of building environments on utilization of health care are thus plausible, but have not been previously assessed. In this issue of the journal, Preziosi et al. Although the study was simple and cross-sectional, the data variables from questionnaires, and the findings subject to a variety of questions, the findings are striking enough to deserve clarification. The study used a large random national sample of French women assembled for another purpose to study antioxidant nutrients and prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Participants reported health services and health events in monthly questionnaires over one year, and in one questionnaire in the middle of that period also reported whether AC was in use at their workplace. Fifteen per cent of participants reported AC at work. Analyses adjusting for age and smoking status of participants found increases in most outcomes assessed: use of specific kinds of physicians, sickness absence, and hospital stays. OR for relatively common health outcomes often lie farther from the null than the risk ratios most useful for quantifying the increase in risk. Risk ratios, or prevalence ratios PR, the equivalent measure of effect for cross-sectional data , have seldom been used because of the convenience and availability of logistic regression models that estimate OR. With baseline prevalences ranging up to Based on the data in Table 2 of Preziosi et al. If these associated increases represented valid causal relationships, it would indicate enormous costs for employers and for society associated with AC systems, from increased health care and for reduced workplace productivity from sickness absence, in addition to a large burden of disease on workers. These findings are noteworthy, considering that such relationships have not been noticed among the large number of people working in air-conditioned buildings for decades around the world. While these increases are of similar magnitudes to the increases in symptom prevalence associated with AC in many prior studies, they are surprisingly large increases for health outcomes sufficiently serious to motivate visits to specialist physicians. The relatively large increases in sickness absence and especially hospital stays are even more surprising. Furthermore, it is odd that AC, given its other associations, was not associated with any increase in general medical practice. What evidence is there that these surprising findings are internally valid? The authors describe as a limitation of the study its focus on women within a narrow age range only; however, while this may limit generalization to other populations, these study features potentially strengthen the internal validity of the findings by eliminating sources of confounding. Chance seems unlikely to explain these findings, as six of eight estimates exceeded 1. What types of bias could explain such findings if the underlying relationship found did not exist or was much smaller? Selection bias seems unlikely in this large random national sample. Regarding confounding—individuals of higher socio-economic level may be more likely to have air-conditioned work settings, to be able to afford specialized health care, and to seek specialized health care, and warmer regions with more air-conditioned offices may have different patterns of disease or health care utilitization. Yet these are unlikely to be important confounders because: 1 the populations with and without AC at work did not differ markedly on the demographic variables reported; 2 the statistical models used adjusted for age and smoking status, and the authors report that adjustment of analyses for other potential confounders such as occupation or geographical region did not modify the findings; and 3 nationalized health care in France should equalize access to health care across income levels. The role of residual confounding by these factors is impossible to quantify from this very brief report. It is not clear what other demographic factors likely to be associated with air-conditioned workplaces in France could create substantial confounding. Reporting bias could artificially create the relationships seen, either by those in air-conditioned buildings reporting or seeking more doctor visits due to concern about health effects of AC, along with the reverse behaviours in those without AC, or by similarly biased reporting of ventilation type by those with and without doctors' visits. The authors, however, report that health effects of AC is not a current issue in France, and that the study was unlikely to have created it as an issue in the minds of participants: the question was not mentioned as a topic within the study on nutrients, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, and the AC question was asked just once, after half of the health data had already been collected. Considering the complexity of ventilation systems and the categorization of ventilation systems by the building occupants using non-technical language, it seems likely that much non-differential essentially random misclassification of buildings by ventilation type occurred in this study. This would tend to bias resulting in estimates toward showing no relationship. Some of the earliest studies of ventilation type and symptoms, for example, categorized buildings as air-conditioned that in fact had central ventilation systems with no cooling. Risks related to AC were inconsistent across these earlier studies. Once standardized categories were created 1 such as AC, and mechanically ventilated without AC , the presence of AC systems in office buildings became and has remained entirely consistent as a risk factor for increased building-related symptoms across all reported studies. The study and analysis reported by Preziosi et al. The findings suggest that health effects related to AC systems in offices are more severe than prior research has documented or even considered. The sizes of the increased risks reported, especially for sickness absence and hospital stays, are large. If these findings were internally valid, it is not clear what known mechanisms could explain them. Minor irritant symptoms disappearing when away from work would not lead to the reported increases in doctor visits, illness absence, and hospitalizations. More persistent or chronic effects such as asthmatic sensitization or exacerbation, chronic sinusitis, or even some variant of hypersensitivity pneumonitis would seem to be required. Increased respiratory infections are another possibility. Increases in illness of an amount consistent with these findings have not been documented previously; yet, they have not been expected or sought in scientific studies. In fact, the first finding that symptoms were increased in air-conditioned buildings, and very common even in buildings without known prior health complaints, was a serendipitous discovery of a survey of hypersensitivity pneumonitis-related symptoms in office buildings. Clearly the results of Preziosi et al. The findings, if valid for large populations, would indicate large social costs and a common burden of individual disease related to current AC systems. While it seems most likely that some process of reporting bias or confounding has enhanced the risks found, this study clearly needs to be replicated in different populations of people and buildings. Replication should not be difficult, but it should involve improved data on risks and potential confounding factors, and explicit control for these factors in the design or analysis. Future studies should also assess likely environmental causes, to the extent current measurement technologies allow. One powerful study strategy would be controlled preventive intervention trials that reversibly remove hypothesized contaminants before they reach occupants, using technologies such as UV 13 or filtration within ventilation systems to study causation and prevention simultaneously. Mendell MJ, Smith AH. Consistent pattern of elevated symptoms in air-conditioned office buildings: a reanalysis of epidemiologic studies. Am J Public Health ; 80 : — Mendell MJ. Non-specific symptoms in office workers: A review and summary of the epidemiologic literature. Indoor Air ; 3 : — Seppanen O, Fisk WJ. Association of ventilation system type with SBS symptoms in office workers. Indoor Air ; 12 : 98 — Bornehag CG, Blomquist G, Gyntelberg F et al. Indoor Air ; 11 : 72 — Peat JK, Dickerson J, Li J. Effects of damp and mould in the home on respiratory health: a review of the literature. Allergy ; 53 : — Bornehag CG, Sundell J, Hagerhed L, Janson S, DBH-study group. Dampness in builidings and health. Dampness at home as a risk factor for symptoms among 10 swedish children DBH-step 1. In: Levin H ed. Indoor Air '02 : Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate. Monterey, CA: Indoor Air, Park JH, Schleiff PL, Attfield MD, Cox-Ganser JM, Kreiss K. Many cancer treatments may cause a woman to have menopausal symptoms. These treatments include:. The symptoms of menopause caused by cancer treatment may be worse than the symptoms of natural menopause. This is because the decrease in hormones happens more quickly. Symptoms include:. Women taking hormone therapy who have not been through menopause may have lighter and fewer menstrual periods. Menstrual periods may stop completely for other women. After treatment, menstrual periods may come back for some younger women. But women older than 40 are less likely to have them return. Some times cancer treatment causes menopause sooner than normal. It may also cause menopause to start right away. Hormone problems for men. Some treatments may cause men to experience symptoms similar to menopause. These include hormone therapy for prostate cancer or surgery to remove the testicles. Symptoms may include:. Treatments that affect reproductive organs or the endocrine system increase risk of infertility. Infertility means not being able to become pregnant or father a child. Sometimes infertility from cancer treatment lasts a short time. But some times it is permanent. Hormone problems from head and neck radiation therapy. Radiation therapy to the head and neck area can lower hormone levels. It can also cause changes to the thyroid gland. Bone, joint, and soft tissue problems. Chemotherapy, steroid medications, or hormonal therapy may cause thinning of the bones, called osteoporosis , or joint pain. Immunotherapy may cause problems in the joints or muscles. These are known as rheumatologic issues. People who are not physically active may have a higher risk of these conditions. Brain, spinal cord, and nerve problems. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause long-term side effects to the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. These include:. Hearing loss from high doses of chemotherapy, especially drugs like cisplatin multiple brand names. Nervous system side effects , including damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, called peripheral neuropathy. Cancer survivors should have regular physical examinations and hearing tests after treatment to check for these effects. Learning, memory, and attention difficulties. Chemotherapy and high-dose radiation therapy to the head and other areas of the body may cause cognitive problems for adults and children. Cognitive problems occur when a person has trouble processing information. Talk with your doctor if you experience any of these issues. Dental and oral health and vision problems. Cancer survivors may have dental and oral health and vision problems, depending on the treatments they received:. High doses of radiation therapy to the head and neck area may change tooth development. It can also cause gum disease and lower saliva production, causing a dry mouth. Steroid medications may increase the risk of eye problems. This includes clouding of the eye that affects vision, called cataracts. To watch for future problems, survivors should schedule regular appointments with a dentist and an ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in treating eye conditions. Digestion problems. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery may affect how a person digests food. Surgery or radiation therapy to the abdominal area can cause tissue scarring, long-term pain, and intestinal problems. A registered dietitian RD can help people with digestion problems get enough nutrients. It may also be helpful to see a doctor who specializes in the digestive tract, called a gastroenterologist. Emotional difficulties. Cancer survivors often have various positive and negative emotions:. Cancer survivors, caregivers, family, and friends may also have post-traumatic stress disorder. This is an anxiety disorder. It may develop after living through a very frightening or life-threatening event, such as cancer diagnosis and treatment. For example, some survivors struggle with negative emotional effects of cancer. Others say that they have a renewed, positive outlook on life because of the cancer. Secondary cancers. This may be a new primary cancer. It may develop as a late effect of previous cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Or it may be the original cancer that has spread to other parts of the body from where it started. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also damage bone marrow stem cells. This increases the risk of either acute leukemia or myelodysplasia. Myelodysplasia is a blood cancer where the normal parts of the blood are either not made or are abnormal. Talk with your doctor about any new symptoms or side effects that you experience. Fatigue is a constant feeling of physical, emotional, or mental tiredness. It is the most common side effect of cancer treatment. Some cancer survivors have fatigue for months or even years after finishing treatment. Learn more about cancer-related fatigue. Learn as much as you can about the potential long-term effects of your cancer treatment from your health care team. You may want to schedule a special appointment to review your treatment summary. Sometimes it can even cause your throat to become sore. People who spend a great deal of time in an AC cooled environment can become growingly more intolerant of the temperatures of hot summer. This is primarily caused by stress placed on your body when you're moving to the hot outdoor air from a cool environment. This heat intolerance has led to an increase in heat wave-related deaths, which is now averaging at around fatalities each summer. While rare, AC-related refrigeration chemicals could cause health problems. It's a rare situation since these chemicals are typically contained completely within the unit and continually reused, therefore you shouldn't ever come into contact with them. However, if you have a bad leak or if you're untrained and try to repair the AC, it's possible you could become exposed to the dangerous chemicals and experience AC-related health issues. Always hire a HVAC professional to make repairs or service your unit. Central AC systems are known for enhancing the impact of illness that you could be suffering from already. Air conditioning is notorious for increasing symptoms of:. A good alternative to air conditioning is to use a whole house fan. Whole house fans are capable of cooling your home down quicker than AC units. You don't need to leave a whole house fan on all day either for it to be effective. Plus, if you plan on leaving your home for more than a few hours, you could set your AC at a higher temperature so it only kicks on if it goes past that setting. Looking to reduce or eliminate your AC use? We have whole house fans to do just that.