Will using a humidifier cause "humidifier pneumonia"? Remember these 5 points for correct use

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In the dry autumn and winter, many families will buy and use humidifiers, but there are also many rumors about humidifiers. For example, some people believe that using humidifiers can cause respiratory diseases . Is this true? Analysis

In principle, the function of a humidifier is only to increase the humidity of the air. Within the range suitable for the human body, it will not cause any health problems. Of course, this is only under ideal conditions, because in fact, the humidification process of the humidifier will indeed be accompanied by some hidden dangers if we are careless, and it may indeed cause harm if we are not careful.

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If we use the humidifier in the correct way and maintain and clean it regularly, we can take advantage of the benefits and avoid the harm. We can enjoy the humidity and comfort brought by the humidifier while avoiding the problems caused by the humidifier.

Let’s talk about it in detail below.

What is “humidifier pneumonia”?

First, let’s talk about humidifier pneumonia. Humidifier pneumonia refers to some people who develop respiratory tract infections and inflammations after using a humidifier, as well as symptoms such as nasal congestion, cough, sputum, asthma, and fever. What is going on?

In fact, it is a bit wrong to directly name it "humidifier pneumonia", because the humidifier itself is not the culprit of pneumonia. The improper use of humidifiers makes it easier for bacteria to infect the human body. Why do you say that?

Take the most common ultrasonic humidifiers for example. The basic principle of these humidifiers is to use ultrasonic atomizers to "beat" water into small water droplets and then blow them into the indoor air. After the ultrasonic humidifier is turned on, we can see a stream of smoke-like things coming out of it. In fact, there are very small water droplets. Some friends may say that it is water vapor, but it is actually wrong. Water vapor is colorless and invisible.

We know that many infectious diseases can be transmitted through droplets because germs can attach to droplets. If we accidentally inhale them, we may be infected. Humidifiers provide such a channel.

For example, if we use unclean water sources that contain germs , then the germs can naturally spread into the air with the "white smoke" and finally be inhaled by us. In addition, the atomizers of many ultrasonic humidifiers are prone to accumulation of dirt . If they are not cleaned and disinfected regularly, they can also cause the growth of germs, and the germ-laden water mist produced after humidification will be inhaled by us.

In addition, there is another problem, which is excessive humidity . Many germs are actually very afraid of dryness. If the environment is very dry, their survival time will be greatly reduced, and it will be more difficult to infect us. But if the humidifier is always turned on, it will make the environment too humid, making it easier for germs to breed, survive longer, and have more opportunities to infect us. So there is no problem with using a humidifier to humidify, but improper use may cause health risks.

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I also want to talk about the population. Medical operations often involve a balance of pros and cons. Too dry air can make people uncomfortable or aggravate certain diseases. At this time, using a humidifier will naturally do more good than harm. However , for some patients or special populations, using a humidifier may not be a good idea. For example, some people who already have lung diseases , as well as some elderly people and children , have a weaker ability to resist diseases, and using a humidifier may increase their risk of respiratory diseases.

How to use a humidifier correctly?

In general, humidifiers can certainly be used, but we should pay attention to a few points:

Moderate humidification: Be sure to pay attention to the air humidity not being too high. The humidifier humidity that is comfortable for our human body is generally between 40% and 60%. Too high humidity will make people uncomfortable and it will also bring health risks.

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Pay attention to water quality: Be sure to change the water in the humidifier regularly, and use filtered water or purified water instead of tap water, because such water contains fewer impurities, the humidifier is easier to clean, and it is less likely to form "white frost" on the surface of furniture.

Don’t add random ingredients: Some people may add some essential oils or spices to the humidifier, or even add a little disinfectant directly to the humidifier water tank. Don’t do this, because these substances are more likely to be inhaled into our lungs after atomization, which may irritate our respiratory tract, causing discomfort or even serious consequences. Previously, there was a tragedy in South Korea where many people died because of adding humidifier disinfectant directly to the water tank and using it for a long time.

Regular cleaning: When we use the humidifier normally, we can clean the atomizer regularly (for example, 2-3 times). In addition, we can also choose some newer humidifiers, such as humidifiers that use cold steam and other principles. It should be emphasized here that there is no need to blindly reject ultrasonic humidifiers. No matter what principle the humidifier is based on, as long as it uses clean water and is cleaned and disinfected regularly, it is safe. On the contrary, improper use of any humidifier may bring health risks.

Humidification alternative: There is another method. If we feel uncomfortable using a humidifier but also feel dry, in fact, when the heater comes on, we can hang a towel that is wrung out until it does not drip water near the heater. As long as the evaporation rate is increased, the humidity of the air can also be improved (of course, the towel must be cleaned regularly).

in conclusion

The humidifier itself is not terrible, but improper use of the humidifier may lead to health risks. What we should focus on is to use clean water, clean it frequently, and develop good habits of using the humidifier correctly.

Author: Ding Zong Popular Science Author

Reviewer: Tang Qin, Director of the Science Popularization Department of the Chinese Medical Association