Allergy to air conditioning/cold or is it arthritis of the head

[Terri918]

If my head is not covered and if my right ear is also not covered, the AC, drafts, fans--blowing on me causes the next day a terrific headache and an ear ache. My sinuses swell, I get congested and I am a mess. Only heat and NSAIDS and sometimes steam seem to help--EVENTUALLY. Two doctors believe I may have arthritis, thus the cold sensitivity. Another doctor feels it may be an allergic reaction. My sinus cavities are almost clogged completely due to years of trying to dry up the situation I expect. The MRI shows left side of my face almost closed up but yet it is my right side that suffers the most. My right ear suffers a great deal. On top of all of this, my right side of jaw is out of alignment. The ENT doctor thinks it is that jaw problem that may have something to do with it, but I contend it is from the cold. After more than 50 years of this (I am now 73), it has gotten worse as the years go by. Anything I can do that I am not currently doing?

[Terri918]

Thanks for your thoughts.  All of my AC vents are pointed away from me at home. It is at a doctor's office, in church, at the airport, at the market, etc. that I have no choice about where it is coming from. That is why I must wear a hat and my ear covering. Some places keep it so cold that even wearing protection, it still invades my head area. It isn't dust that gives me the problems--it is the cold and blast itself.

[evewisewoman]

Hello there,

Is it possible to position the AC that it doesn't blow directly on you.
Perhaps instead of the AC, you could get someone to install a ceiling fan.
It's also really important to make sure the filter in the AC is kept clean.
Perhaps you will find these suggestions helpful.