Benefits of Using a Humidifier to Prevent Allergies

Humidifiers are devices that are used to increase the humidity present in the air by releasing steam
or water vapour. Humidity can prove to be a huge factor in prevention of allergies. This is
accomplished by using humidifiers. There are different types of humidifiers available in the market
having different functions and mechanism.

Types of Humidifiers

 Evaporative Humidifiers: These are cool mist humidifiers that draw air from the
surroundings and blow it through or over a moistened wick submerged in water. This leads
to evaporation of water and humidity is thus created.
 Ultrasonic Humidifiers: They use ultrasonic vibration to convert water into small particles,
which are further humidified into air as mist with the help of a fan, and finally the mist
evaporates. These are available in both cool mist and warm mist.
 Impeller Humidifiers: They consist of a disk running on high speed, using which cool air is
blown out to produce mist.
 Central Humidifiers: They are connected with the air conditioning machines used in home.
The objective is to increase humidity to a suitable level in every room of the house.
 Steam Vaporizers: The objective of these humidifiers is to heat the water at high
temperature so as to destroy the bacteria and germs present in the water. After heating,
humidity is released into the air as steam vapour.

Benefits of Using a Humidifier to Prevent Allergies

Dry Skin

Humidifier produces added moisture in the air which helps to prevent dry skin and skin irritation.
This added moisture destroys most of the allergens present in the air. It can also be used to treat
conditions like rashes and eczema, which are known to cause accumulation of bacteria on the skin.
For instance, atopic dermatitis occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens, and the
symptoms include swelling and rashes on the skin.

Sinus Congestion

Humidifiers can be used to treat sinusitis as the steamed air generated by humidifiers helps to clear
the nasal congestion. The added moisture in the humidifiers will decrease the harm done by the dry
air irritants. Using warm mist humidifier helps too add moisture in the in your home and prevents
sinusitis.

Asthma

Humidifiers are also beneficial in reducing asthma symptoms as the increased moisture helps to
clear the nasal passage of mucous. If the nasal passage is blocked, it will allow easy passage of
allergens into the body.

Sore Throat
You are likely to catch cold, especially during winter season, and thus become more vulnerable to
allergens. Cold comes with the irritation of sore throat, running nose, and cough. Using a humidifier
relieves you from the above symptoms. Warm mist humidifier is used for this purpose.

Precautions while using Humidifiers

Humidifiers are to be properly used and maintained to get the maximum benefits from them.
Therefore, the following precautions need to be taken care of while using a humidifier:

 The humidifiers should be cleaned regularly after use to prevent growth of bacteria and
other harmful microbes.
 Vaporizer humidifiers should be kept at safe distance from children, as hot steam may cause
burns.
 Moisture level should be regularly checked while using a humidifier and has to be kept
between 30% and 50%.
 Invest in a good-quality humidifier as the low-quality humidifiers may lead to side-effects.
 Replace the water used in the humidifier every day before reusing it.

If the allergy symptoms worsen by using a humidifier, then avoid using it and consult a doctor.