Be careful with humidifiers: they are not always healthy.

Many people may have asked the Three Wise Men or Santa Claus to bring humidifier. There are also many people who use it for a long time, convinced that it is very beneficial for their health. But to what extent is this true? Is this a scam or is there scientific evidence for this?

Well, the truth is that they are. Proper use of a humidifier can be very profitable. There is even evidence that it helps somewhat reduce the transmission of the disease. flu. It may also improve the symptoms of catarrhal processes. Now that we are experiencing a tsunami of respiratory virus cases is a good time to use it. But it is important to emphasize that it must be used properly.

If this device is used incorrectly, the effect may be the opposite. They increase allergy and the likelihood of suffering from certain respiratory pathologies. Using a humidifier can even contribute to the growth of mold in the house. What measures should we take to ensure that the use of the device is considered appropriate?

Benefits of a Humidifier

Before we talk about the steps you should take when using a humidifier, it doesn’t hurt to know about its benefits.

A too dry environment This can cause asthma and allergy attacks, dry throat, nosebleeds or dry skin, among other symptoms. Of course, all this can be alleviated by using a humidifier.

Its role in flu prevention is also very interesting. In 2018, a study on this topic was published in the journal USA schoolduring an outbreak influenza A. Two experiments were conducted: one in a preschool classroom under normal conditions, and the other in a classroom in which moisturizedr, which increased air humidity. In both cases, samples were taken from both the air and surfaces such as markers and toys, and PCR tests were performed to look for the genetic material of the influenza A virus. They were also contacted with cells to see the infectivity of the virus. viral particles they survived in the air or on surfaces.

When comparing the two experiments, it was observed that air humidification led to a significant reduction in both the genetic material of the virus and the infectivity of the virus particles. In addition, there was 2.3 times more cases of influenza in classrooms without a humidifier. Studies have also been conducted with cough simulators, confirming the same hypothesis. Using a humidifier reduces the transmission of the influenza virus.

On the other hand, humidifying the air helps. make cough more productive, which helps clear the airways faster in case of a respiratory infection. With all this said, there seem to be plenty of reasons to use a humidifier. But we must use it correctly.

The importance of using these devices correctly

In fact, with the help of a humidifier we increase the humidity of the air. If it was dry before, the result is positive. But we must keep in mind that healthy air humidity occurs from 30% to 50%, so if we already have it naturally, a moisturizer will only make the situation worse. Excessive humidity may increase cases asthma and allergiesas well as dissemination fungi and dust mites.

Despite all this, the first tip we should follow if we want to use a humidifier is to use hygrometer. This is a device that measures the humidity in the air so that we know when to turn on the humidifier and when not to.

It is also important to keep your humidifier in good condition. A 2006 study in Germany showed that the liquid in humidifiers may contain bacteria and fungi which, if released into the air, can infect the lungs of people exposed to it. People who took part in the study were given a diagnosis known as external allergic alveolitis or toxic alveolitis. Colloquially and for obvious reasons they are known respectively as lung humidifier and fever humidifier.

To prevent this from happening, it is necessary change the water in your humidifier daily And Wash buckets and filter systems every two to three days. Also, if it is a central humidifier, filters need to be changed with the frequency required by the manufacturer. If not specified, this should be done at least once a month.

This way, you can use the humidifier safely, reaping its benefits without experiencing any harm.

What about scents?

Some humidifiers are also used as aroma diffusers. There are those who recommend them for the benefits of aromatherapy, even though there is no scientific evidence of its effectiveness. However, it might just be nice. After all, we all like our home to smell nice. In that case, could a humidifier be a good option?

Well, the answer is yes, but not in every case. Some humidifiers are not designed to disperse fragrances. Therefore, if we add essential oils, they may release excessive amounts into the environment, which may even be toxic or irritating to the respiratory tract.

In addition, if the humidifier is not prepared, its structure may rust. This is why we should only use fragrances if specified by the humidifier manufacturer. Usually the best way to do this is ultrasonic. But even in this case, it is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions.

Also, if we use scents, we should further improvement of cleaning devices as above.

Thus, using a humidifier has many benefits. But we must use it correctly. Like many other things in this life.