Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. Dry air creates an ideal environment for viruses that cause colds to multiply. Dry air also dries the mucous membranes, causing nasal congestion and throat dryness.
Humidity in the air; It varies depending on the season and weather conditions, as well as the region where the person lives. Generally, humidity is high in summer and low in winter. Ideally, the humidity rate in a home should be around 40-50%. Humidifiers may be helpful in relieving upper respiratory tract congestion and reducing dryness in the nose and sinuses, but their effectiveness has not been proven in scientific studies.
There are two types of air humidifiers: cold and hot steam.
-Cold steam air humidifiers: The biggest problem is that cold water creates a suitable environment for the growth of bacteria and molds. Therefore, the air humidifier should be washed every day with soap and water as recommended. Devices that are not cleaned properly can be a source of infection. It is also recommended to use distilled water in cold mist air humidifiers. Tap water contains various minerals, which accumulate inside the air humidifier and make it easier for microbes to settle.
-Hot Steam air humidifiers: It is more difficult for bacteria and mold to grow in these devices, but there is a risk of burns. For this reason, it is recommended not to use it, especially in environments where young children are present.
Excessive humidity may cause an increase in the growth of mold fungi, harmful bacteria and house dust mites on carpets or other areas inside the house. Especially in children with asthma, this may lead to worsening asthma complaints. Even if your child does not have asthma, if there is a steam machine that is not cleaned well enough and spreads germs into the air, the device itself can cause similar complaints such as upper respiratory tract infections and even lung infections. We recommend asthmatic patients to ventilate their homes frequently and not to dry clothes inside the home. Because when the humidity is high, a very suitable environment is created for allergens to increase, which causes the patients' symptoms to worsen.
Care should be taken when using the devices if the humidity level is higher than it should be. If it is overheated or air humidifier devices are not properly maintained, it may cause your child to become sicker instead of healing it. In homes heated by central heating, it can cause various diseases to become chronic, as it causes the humidity in the environment to decrease. The humidity of the air in the house should be around 40%-50% for health reasons. It is known that constantly burning radiators in the winter months take in moisture and dry the air due to the lack of ventilation of the environment. Dryness in the nose and mouth causes the related diseases to become chronic. Unfortunately, the humidity of the air in houses where the heater is always on is much below 50%.
To prevent this; A cloth or towel can be placed. Electric water heaters can be used in the room.
•Finally, ventilate all the rooms in your house during the day so that the dry air of the room is balanced with humidity.
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