Should I see a doctor for AC leak and cough?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our bedroom in Jumeirah has been leaking on and off for the last three days, and I’ve woken up with a tight chest and this dry cough that won’t go away. My husband says he feels fine, but I’m worried the dampness is causing mold and making me sick. Is this something I should just monitor for a few more days, or is it urgent enough to see a doctor at Mediclinic now?
Posted by Anjali Das
Asked on March 29, 2026 1:51 am
Good morning from Dubai. Thank you for reaching out with this very important question. As an IEQ specialist here in the UAE, I strongly advise you to take this situation seriously.

The symptoms you describe—waking with a tight chest and a persistent dry cough—are classic indicators of exposure to poor indoor air quality, often stemming from a damp environment. An AC leak creates the perfect conditions for mold growth (like Aspergillus or Penicillium) within the ductwork or drip pans, which then gets aerosolized and circulated directly into your bedroom air. The fact that your husband is asymptomatic is not uncommon; individual immune responses to mycotoxins and mold spores vary significantly.

Given the climate in Jumeirah, with its high humidity, this is an urgent matter. UAE public health guidelines, such as those from the Dubai Municipality, emphasize the importance of addressing water damage and potential mold proliferation promptly to safeguard occupant health. You should not monitor this for a few more days.

My professional recommendation is two-fold:
1. Medical Consultation: Yes, please visit a doctor at Mediclinic to address your current respiratory symptoms. Inform them of the ongoing water leak and potential mold exposure.
2. Professional Inspection: This is not a simple fix. The leak must be repaired, and a comprehensive assessment of the microbial contamination is critical. Our certified teams use thermal imaging and moisture meters to find the source and then conduct air and surface sampling to identify the specific contaminants.

Do not attempt to handle this yourself. I strongly recommend you call our team for a professional inspection. Please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment immediately. Your health is paramount.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 31, 2026 9:12 am