Asthma for 20 years, night attacks only in summer – is the bedroom unit a suspect?
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Titan, Barajul Dunării alley, 1980 block. I have had asthma since 15, well controlled. For 2 summers, night attacks 2–3 times a week, June–August. The bedroom has a 6-year-old 12,000 BTU Gree, sanitised once 4 years ago. In winter, zero attacks. My pulmonologist raised my dose. Could it be the unit?
What is really happening
For a person with asthma or another respiratory condition, comfort settings and exposure concerns should be discussed with their clinician. A change in symptoms does not establish that the appliance is the cause. Visible dampness, mould, an unusual smell or blocked filters justify a technical inspection, separately from medical care.
- The unit and indoor environment: technical inspection, moisture, deposits and maintenance.
- Symptoms and diagnosis: assessment by a medical professional.
A unit problem does not establish the cause of an illness. Maintenance does not replace medical care.
- The fungal genera dominant in split units – Cladosporium, Alternaria, Aspergillus – are recognised triggers of allergic asthma. [Building and Environment, 2025]
- When a contaminated air conditioner starts, airborne fungal concentration in the room can jump from 40–920 to 5,500–100,000 CFU/m³. [Indoor Air, 2023]
- EPA advises not to run an HVAC system you know or suspect is mould-contaminated, because it spreads mould throughout the home. [US EPA, 2024]
- WHO concludes that indoor dampness and mould significantly increase the risk of respiratory symptoms, allergies and asthma. [WHO, 2009]
What we do on site
- We schedule quickly; meanwhile sleep with the unit off and the window open, or in another room.
- Collection cover, film over the bed.
- Cleaning solution, pressure wash in place: evaporator, roller, pan, hose.
- Sanitising solution, extra rinse – for asthmatics, no residue – full drying on 'Fan'.
- Outdoor unit, washed in place.
- See current rates on the Prices page.
What you can do yourself
- Keep an attack log for 2 weeks after sanitising and take it to your doctor – the dose may go back down.
- 25–26 °C, louvre up, low speed, bed out of the jet.
- Hygrometer, 40–55%; allergen-proof covers.
- Filters every two weeks, 'Fan' 20 minutes before shut-off.
What NOT to do
- Do not change your medication yourself – talk to the pulmonologist after removing the source.
- Do not use bleach or sprays in the unit – chlorine fumes are linked to more respiratory symptoms.
- Do not accept 'it is the pollen' without having checked the roller with a torch.
Prevention
Plan maintenance according to the appliance manual and what is found during inspection. Keep any medical follow-up separate; cleaning does not guarantee that symptoms will resolve.
When to call us
0764 012 943, Monday–Saturday 08:00–20:00. Titan – asthma cases get priority.
Maintenance does not replace medical care. CDC: mold and health · EPA: moisture and mould
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Read also
- Allergies, sneezing and irritated eyes from the air conditioner
- Asthma, bronchitis and air conditioning
Sources (7)
- www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360132325010303
- onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2023/8984619
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK143940/
- www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
- www.epa.gov/mold/mold-remediation-schools-and-commercial-buildings-guide-chapter-3
- www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789289041683
- journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0047526
The information on this page is educational and based on cited sources; it does not replace medical advice. We do not do repairs, installation or refrigerant circuit work.