The doctor warned about the dangers of a poorly cleaned humidifier
Dry air during the heating season dries out the mucous membranes, and a humidifier can alleviate the symptoms, but if left improperly, the device itself becomes a source of irritation. Maria Belaya, a general practitioner at the Scandinavian Health Center, told Izvestia on October 16 about the humidity to maintain at home and how to clean the device properly.
"The mucous membrane of the respiratory tract is covered with a thin layer of secretions. It traps dust, allergens and microorganisms, and the ciliated epithelium brings them out. In a room that is too dry, the mucous membrane loses moisture, the secret becomes thicker, and this self-cleaning mechanism slows down. The protective barrier is doing a worse job," the doctor explained.
In a dry room, dryness in the nose, burning, stuffiness, sore throat and dry cough appear. The symptoms are especially noticeable in children, the elderly, and people with rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, or COPD. For a house, a reasonable guideline is humidity from 30 to 50%. If it is above 50%, dust mites and mold multiply faster. At the same time, dry air does not cause infection by itself: it requires a pathogen. But an over-dried mucosa is more vulnerable, so rhinitis, asthma and COPD worsen more often, and colds are more difficult to tolerate.
The humidifier relieves dryness, but it is only a symptomatic aid: it does not destroy viruses, does not replace the drinking regime, saline solutions, ventilation and medications. There is no convincing evidence that the device reduces the duration of colds.
The connection with the operation of the device can be immediately noticeable: coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, pain in the eyes, nose or throat appear or intensify in a room with a humidifier, while in another room it becomes easier. If the device sprays a contaminated aerosol, headaches, chills, fever, aches and weakness may occur. The appliance must be turned off, the room must be ventilated, the water must be emptied and not started until it is completely cleaned.
"Humidification fever" is an acute inflammatory reaction to a contaminated aerosol associated with bacteria, fungi, and amoebas that accumulate in poorly maintained systems. After a few hours, fever, chills, aches, headache, weakness, cough and tightness in the chest appear, and a person feels better when he stops breathing such air.
In asthma, COPD, and respiratory allergies, the reaction is individual: moderate moisture can reduce dryness, but excess moisture supports the growth of mold and dust mites, and a contaminated tank sprays bacteria and fungal particles. Special care is needed for people with allergies to mold and dust mites, reduced immunity, chronic lung diseases, as well as families with young children and elderly relatives.
The device should also not work around the clock without monitoring. If the humidity consistently exceeds 50%, the power must be reduced or temporarily turned off. Drops on the windows, damp window sills, dampness around the appliance, a musty smell and dark spots of mold mean that there is too much moisture: the room needs to be ventilated, ventilation adjusted and, if necessary, use a dehumidifier.
"Disconnect the appliance from the mains every day, empty the tank, wipe the accessible parts dry and pour fresh water. Do not add it to yesterday's and do not keep the tank full for several days," Belaya emphasized.
Ophthalmologist Oksana Kuznetsova, chief physician of the Moscow 3Z clinic, noted on September 22 that in autumn the eyes face additional stress due to cold wind, temperature fluctuations, dry indoor air and prolonged stay in transport. During the heating season, the air becomes drier, and prolonged work on a computer and smartphone reduces the frequency of blinking, so it is important to take breaks, maintain comfortable humidity and use moisturizing drops on the recommendation of a specialist.
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