Magical device or hidden danger? Clearing up the mystery surrounding humidifiers

Whether it is central heating in the north or electric floor heating and air conditioning in the south, heating facilities in winter will make the indoor air dry to some extent, so humidifiers have become a must-have small appliance for many families. However, some statements about humidifiers have also made many people hesitate whether to use them or not: Can humidifiers cause respiratory diseases? Can patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis use humidifiers? Will humidifiers aggravate the symptoms of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis?

Should we use humidifiers or not? How to use them correctly? Let’s clear up the doubts surrounding humidifiers!

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01

“Humidifier pneumonia” can’t be blamed entirely on humidifiers

Humidifiers can indeed relieve the discomfort caused by dry indoor air and low humidity. However, if used improperly, they may also cause respiratory diseases in our bodies, which is medically known as "humidifier pneumonia". This is because harmful microorganisms enter the human respiratory tract after being atomized by the humidifier and cause inflammation, resulting in a series of respiratory diseases such as colds, bronchitis, asthma, etc. Common manifestations are nasal congestion, coughing, sputum, wheezing, fever, etc.

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In fact, the existence of "humidifier pneumonia" is not the fault of the humidifier itself, but is caused by improper use of the humidifier, such as:

1) If the humidifier is not cleaned in time, it is easy to absorb and breed bacteria and viruses, which will then become bacteria-containing water mist through the humidifier and be inhaled into the respiratory tract, causing various respiratory diseases.

2) Humidification time is too long, resulting in excessive air humidity, which is conducive to the growth of bacteria and viruses in the air, which enter the lungs with breathing and cause respiratory symptoms.

3) The water used in the humidifier is of poor quality and contains bacteria, viruses, etc. The bacterial mist formed by the humidifier is inhaled into the lungs, which may also cause a series of respiratory diseases.

02

These people are not recommended to use a humidifier

In addition to the usage instructions, we do not recommend the following people to use humidifiers due to their special physical conditions and constitutions:

1) People suffering from rheumatism or rheumatoid arthritis should use humidifiers with caution, because humidifiers will increase the humidity in the air and easily induce the onset of such diseases.

2) People with chronic lung diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, and COPD should use the humidifier with caution, because improper use of the humidifier can easily induce the onset of such respiratory diseases.

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3) The elderly and children should use it with caution because the respiratory mucosa of the elderly and children has poor resistance and the air humidity is high, which can easily breed bacteria and viruses and induce respiratory diseases.

03

Master the correct way to use a humidifier

In addition to the above-mentioned groups, when the air conditioner is turned on for a long time, or when the air is dry after heating in winter, you can use a humidifier to improve the air humidity, relieve and avoid the discomfort of skin dehydration, dry mouth and tongue. Just pay attention to the method when using it, so as to take advantage of the advantages of the humidifier while avoiding its "side effects":

1) Generally speaking, it is comfortable to keep the air humidity at 40%-60%. You can prepare a hygrometer at home, and then adjust and use a humidifier according to the specific situation of each day to keep the room within the appropriate humidity range.

2) The location of the humidifier is also important: first of all, it should be away from the power socket in the home, and it is best to place it at a height of about one meter from the ground. This is not only safe, but also more conducive to the distribution of water mist produced by the humidifier and balancing the humidity.

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3 ) The water in the humidifier must be changed every day. Tap water cannot be used. It is generally recommended to use purified water to prevent bacteria in the tap water from spreading into the air through the water mist of the humidifier and inducing respiratory diseases.

4 ) Do not add vinegar, essential oils, perfume, etc. to the humidifier . These ingredients can be atomized and inhaled into the lungs, which can easily induce allergic rhinitis or asthma.

5 ) The humidifier should be kept clean. Generally, it needs to be cleaned once every 3 days: first, soak it in hot water for disinfection, then rinse it with running water, and finally wipe off the scale with a clean cloth. Also, pay attention to clean the small grooves in the humidifier as much as possible.

6 ) If the humidifier is left unused for a long time, be sure to pour out the waste water, let the water tank air dry, and store it for later use.

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Most products are developed and produced only when there is demand. They enter our daily lives with their own mission. As for the effect of their use, it should be judged comprehensively based on whether the method of use is reasonable. If it really cannot be used, or the disadvantages outweigh the advantages, it will naturally be continuously upgraded and optimized, or directly eliminated by the market. What we need to do is to make rational use of all the tools around us to make our living environment more comfortable and beautiful.

Author: Zhang Wenjuan, deputy chief physician of the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Chenzhou Fourth People's Hospital, Hunan Province

Review | Wang Qian, Chief Physician, Emergency Department, Third Medical Center, PLA General Hospital

This article is produced by the "Science Rumor Refutation Platform" (ID: Science_Facts). Please indicate the source when reprinting.

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