Q: I am quite a healthy man but I develop stiffness if I sit in an air conditioned room for a long time. I consulted a doctor and he asked me to get a few blood tests done. All the tests were negative but I tested positive for anti-antistreptolysin O antigen. What do you suggest? I was treated for mild rheumatic fever for 10 years (took penicillin injections till I was around 14 yrs old).

A:This is a normal physiological response as muscle function and metabolism are strongly influenced by local temperature changes. For example, the muscular energy demand or utilisation, the enzymatic activities, etc. may display thermal optima. Endurance time and maximum force of contraction are also temperature dependant. Keep yourself warm when exposed to air conditioning. This has nothing to do with the ASO titres.