Many people may have had the Three Wise Men or Santa Claus bring a humidifier. There are also many people who have been using it for a long time, convinced that it is very good for their health. But to what extent is this true? Is this a scam or is there scientific evidence about it?
Well, the truth is that there are. Proper use of a humidifier can be very beneficial. There is even evidence that it helps somewhat reduce the transmission of the disease. flu. It can also improve the symptoms of catarrhal processes. Now that we are in the midst of a tsunami of respiratory virus cases, it is a good time to use it, therefore. But it is important to emphasize that it must be used appropriately.
If this device is not used properly, the effect can be the opposite. They increase the allergies and the probability of suffering from certain respiratory pathologies. The use of a humidifier may even promote the appearance of mold in the home. Now, what are the measures we must take so that the use of the device is considered appropriate?
The benefits of the humidifier
Before talking about the measures we should take with the humidifier, it doesn’t hurt to know its benefits.
A too dry environment may cause asthma and allergy attacks, dry throat, nosebleeds or dry skin, among other symptoms. All this can be alleviated with good use of the humidifier, of course.
Its role in preventing the flu is also very interesting. A study on this topic was published in 2018 in a United States schoolduring an outbreak of influenza A. Two experiments were done, one in a preschool class under normal conditions and another in a class to which a humidifiedr which increased the humidity of the air. In both cases, samples were taken from both the air and surfaces such as markers and toys and PCRs were carried out in search of the genetic material of the influenza A virus. In addition, they were contacted with cells to see the infective capacity of the viral particles that they had survived in the air or surfaces.
When comparing the two experiments, it was observed that air humidification generated a significant reduction in both the genetic material of the virus and the infectivity of the viral particles. Furthermore, there was 2.3 times more flu cases in classes without humidifier. Studies have also been carried out with cough simulators that support this same hypothesis. That the use of a humidifier reduces the transmission of the flu virus.
On the other hand, air humidification helps to make the cough more productive, which helps to decongest the respiratory tract sooner in any case of respiratory infection. With all this, it seems that there are plenty of reasons to use a humidifier. But we must use it properly.
The importance of proper use of these devices
In reality, with the humidifier what we do is increase the humidity of the air. If it was previously dry, the result is positive. But we must keep in mind that healthy air humidity is found between 30% and 50%, so if we already have it naturally, the humidifier will only make the situation worse. Excessive humidity can increase cases of asthma and allergiesas well as the proliferation of fungi and dust mites.
For all this, the first advice that we must follow if we want to use a humidifier is to use a hygrometer. This is a device that measures the humidity of the air, so that we know when to keep the humidifier on and when not to.
It is also important to maintain the humidifier well. In 2006 A study was carried out in Germany in which it was shown that the liquid in humidifiers can contain bacteria and fungi which, when passed into the air, can infect the lungs of people exposed to it. The people who participated in the study were diagnosed with something known as extrinsic allergic alveolitis or toxic alveolitis. Colloquially and for obvious reasons, these are known respectively as humidifier lung and humidifier fever.
To prevent this from happening, you must change the water in the humidifier daily and wash buckets and filter systems every two to three days. Also, if it is a central humidifier, filters must be changed with the regularity required by the manufacturer. If this is not indicated, it should be done at least once a month.
In this way, the humidifier can be used safely, squeezing its benefits and without experiencing its harms.
What about the aromas?
Some humidifiers are also used as aroma diffusers. There are those who recommend them for the benefits of aromatherapy, despite the fact that there is no scientific evidence of its effectiveness. However, it can be simply pleasant. After all, we all like our house to smell good. In that case, can a humidifier be a good option?
Well, the answer is yes, but not in any case. Some humidifiers are not designed to disperse fragrances. Therefore, if we add essential oils, they could release an excessive amount into the environment that could even be toxic or irritating to the respiratory tract.
Also, if the humidifier is not prepared, its structure can corrode. This is why we should only use fragrances if the humidifier manufacturer indicates it. Generally the best ones for this are the ultrasonic. But, even so, it is important to check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Furthermore, if we use fragrances, we must further enhance cleaning of the device as indicated above.
In summary, using a humidifier has many benefits. But we must use it well. As with so many other things in this life.