India, Aug. 27 -- Allergies are on the rise during the monsoon season, but the hot and humid climate makes staying without the AC a real challenge. This leads to people wondering whether the appliance is responsible for the persistent coughs and sneezes.

In an interaction with HT Lifestyle, paediatrician Dr Shalini Tyagi explained, "Air conditioning does not directly cause allergies, but for someone who is already prone to allergies, the AC environment can sometimes make their symptoms worse. The biggest issue is usually not the cold air itself, but what may be circulating along with it."

Allergies are not caused by low temperatures but by allergens, which are substances that trigger the hyperresponsiveness of the immune system. Once al...