Unfortunately, the prevalence of allergic diseases is increasing all over the world. Already more than a third of the world's population is susceptible to this insidious disease. The occurrence of allergies is influenced by various factors, the most important of which is environmental pollution.
Let's look at how progress comes to the aid of a person in solving this problem. Let's analyze what household appliances are needed in an allergic person's apartment. We will investigate whether a humidifier helps with allergies and what the real effect is when using this device.
In the article presented by us, you will find a detailed description of all types of devices designed to saturate the atmosphere in a confined room with moisture. We will show you how to create the ideal atmosphere for allergy sufferers. We will show you how to choose the right device.
The content of the article:
- Air humidity for allergies
- Air condition and allergic rhinitis
- Types of household humidifiers
- Useful ion saturation option
- How to relieve allergies?
- How to choose a humidifier?
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Air humidity for allergies
In a polluted human environment, conditions are created for an increase in the number of aeroallergens and an increase in tissue hyperreactivity of the respiratory tract. In addition, the number of airborne allergens increases, which cause the development of allergic respiratory forms.
With climate change, an increased formation and increase in the concentration of pollen in the air occurs, and its properties change. All this contributes to an increase in the sensitizing activity of aeroallergens.
Humidification will help fight the army of allergens. A noticeable increase in allergic exacerbations has become especially noticeable in recent decades. Atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis - alas, these names of diseases are heard more and more often
Dust settling at home, along with chemical pollutants, also includes other harmful agents: dust mites, fungal spores, and numerous microorganisms. All this biological collection often leads to the chronicity of these diseases.
Even without going into the complex mechanisms of the development of such pathologies and a thorough analysis of the predisposing factors, it is necessary to pay attention to the importance of regular wet cleaning of living rooms.
Normalization climatic parameters to create a comfortable environment for a person, and this is healthy and clean air - a necessary condition for an active person's life.
Only regular wet cleaning will help to cope with dust in which dust mites, fungal spores, numerous microorganisms live
Household allergies have been linked to sensitivity to house dust since the 1960s. Since then, regular studies have been carried out showing that bronchial asthma may be preceded by symptoms of allergic rhinitis. 70% of people with dust allergies develop bronchial asthma within 8 years.
Based on these studies, it was concluded that there is a direct correlation between some types of allergies from the indoor climate and air pollution. The development of technologies allows to reduce the "pathogenic" load on the body in simple ways.
In dry air, allergens spread more actively. In addition, with a prolonged stay in a room with dry air, immunity is weakened. Are there any suspicions of allergies? Buy a humidifier
What can fly in a dry air environment:
- dust with microorganisms and fungal spores;
- pollen from windows in spring and summer;
- pet hair and particles of the epidermis.
Dry air contains an excess of positively charged ions, which can prevent dust particles from settling hours, which creates unfavorable conditions for allergy sufferers and for patients with different pulmonary diseases.
If the room is humidifier with ionizer, then all this mass becomes heavier due to moisture, with which it is soaked and falls down or is attracted to positively charged surfaces.
The damp dust and dirt are then removed during the daily wet cleaning process (recommended for allergy sufferers). Thus, for allergy sufferers, air humidifiers create a purified and humidified air environment.
To ensure a healthy indoor climate, buy the right humidifier. For arranging a nursery, it is better to purchase a safe and almost silent device.
If for healthy people the recommended air humidity in a dwelling should be 50-60%, then for allergy sufferers - 40-50%. Otherwise, they will be disturbed by various problems - rhinitis, various inflammatory processes. Especially for patients with respiratory allergies.
Air condition and allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is the most common manifestation of allergies. Recurrent breathing problems, nasal mucus discharge, sneezing are all symptoms of an allergic reaction. They are united by the common name of the reaction - allergic rhinitis.
At the heart of any allergic reaction is inflammation of the nasal mucosa, which is caused by allergens. Swelling and nasal congestion, sneezing attacks, itching are the first symptoms of an exacerbation of allergies.
Allergic rhinitis can be persistent or seasonal. If the air in the room is too dry, the allergic person's condition worsens, since in such conditions the mucous membrane becomes more sensitive to irritants.
If you have frequent allergic rhinitis, buying a moisturizer is necessary. Some bacteria and viruses also thrive in high humidity. Dry air, on the other hand, activates other pathogens
Allergies can occur both against the background of dry air and excessively humid air. Good humidity-balanced air (40-60%) does not allow dust to rise into the air mass from objects, preventing its penetration into the respiratory system.
Excessive humidity leads to the activation of mold spores, which are constantly in the air. Water in large quantities acts as a catalyst for the process of their development. Also, high humidity contributes to the active reproduction of dust mites.
Types of household humidifiers
If you enter a room in which the humidifier has been working for several hours, it will be unusually easy to breathe. Moreover, in such conditions, fast falling asleep and sound sleep are guaranteed. To achieve this result, you need to choose the right technique.
Let's take a look at the types of modern humidifiers:
- mechanical traditional;
- steam;
- ultrasonic;
- combined with an air purifier.
Traditional mechanical humidifiers are designs in which water is poured into a reservoir, from where it falls into a sump on replacement humidifying cartridges. The fan drives air through the cartridges and humidifies it naturally.
At the same time, the air is cleared of dust. The disadvantage of such humidifiers is the impossibility of increasing the humidity above the natural level of 60% and the noise during operation of about 35-40 dB, therefore, such a device cannot be turned on at night.
To maintain natural moisture levels, it is best to choose a traditional humidifier. However, if a humidity increase above 60% is required, this option will not work.
In steam humidifiers, water is boiled and discharged as steam. The disadvantages of this method are obvious: hot steam up to 60 degrees, high noise level, high power consumption.
However, such humidifying systems also have many advantages: they can increase the humidity in the room by more than 60%. These devices can handle hard water. They do not need consumables, they can be used for inhalation.
The steam humidifier should be placed on top of a cabinet or top shelf to avoid accidental scalding. Steam devices can be used as inhalers
In construction ultrasonic humidifiers there is a special membrane that, due to the high vibration frequency, converts water into cold steam. These are modern systems that allow you to regulate the level of humidity. Some models have a water heating option.
If there are children at home, a completely safe ultrasonic humidifier is the best choice. They work almost silently. The main disadvantage of such systems is the need to use filtered water and the need to replace the cartridge filler.
More sophisticated combined appliances are an air purifier and a humidifier in one system. The new models are called climatic complexes. The design of the most common devices is a system of hydrodynamic-shaped plastic discs rotating in a reservoir of water.
Dust entering the device settles on the discs and is then washed off with water. In climatic complexes, a mechanical humidifier is usually implemented, but recently systems with ultrasonic devices have also appeared on the market.
If the budget allows, the climate complex will be the best option for cleaning and humidifying the air. In addition to saturating the air with moisture, it also removes harmful impurities and microorganisms from it
The climatic complex is a more complex device that requires maintenance. It will have to change a fairly large number of consumables. In particular, many systems are equipped with highly efficient HEPA filters as well as charcoal and humidifying filters.
Useful ion saturation option
Most modern models of humidifiers are equipped with an ionization function, that is, they allow you to saturate the air with ozone. This function is controversial. The reasoning of the manufacturers of ionization humidifiers boils down to the fact that there are many negative ions in the clean natural air (in the mountains, in forests, near waterfalls).
However, for allergy sufferers, this option will be a useful addition to the humidifier. Dust, plant pollen, allergens, bacteria, in short, solid air particles are charged under the influence of ionization and begin to drift towards the positive electrode, which are the walls, floor and ceiling in the apartment, where they settle.
If possible, select a humidifier with ionisation function. After moistening, all settled dirt is then mechanically removed from all surrounding structures during the wet cleaning process.
However, you need to be careful with ionization - it can be activated for no more than a couple of hours per day. It is not worth ionizing the air in a closed room around the clock. The increased concentration of ozone in the air is harmful to the human body.
If the air is excessively saturated with ozone, when inhaled, a person can develop various unpleasant consequences - cough, sore throat and irritation in the throat, reddening of the face, difficulty breathing. In patients with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, the condition may worsen. The ionisation function must be disabled in the device.
How to relieve allergies?
Of course, having consulted a doctor, an allergy sufferer and an asthmatic person receives a list of drugs that alleviate the condition in case of attacks. In addition, it is advisable to find out as soon as possible to which allergen the painful reaction occurs. The doctor also gives a number of recommendations for organizing life in order to increase the periods of remission as much as possible.
This is regular wet cleaning, reducing the number of items in dust collectors, etc. However, if the allergen remains at home and there are problems with the humidity in the room, the likelihood of relapse remains high.
If the budget allows, the purchase of an air washer will be the best solution to the problems of creating a healthy microclimate for allergy sufferers.
Therefore, allergists recommend the use of modern household appliances to improve the indoor climate:
- installation of a humidifier with an ionization function capable of maintaining the recommended humidity level;
- installation of an air purifier capable of effectively purifying the air from many causative agents of allergic reactions.
The ideal option would be to buy a so-called air washer - an air cleaner-humidifier or a climate complex. Such devices can be installed both in residential premises, including children's rooms and bedrooms, and in offices.
How to choose a humidifier?
When choosing a model of a humidifier for allergy sufferers and asthmatics, you should pay attention to the following technical characteristics:
- Tank capacity and evaporation rate: These parameters determine how long the device works without refueling. For example, if a humidifier consumes 400 ml per hour and is equipped with a 3 liter capacity, it will work no more than 8 hours without refilling.
- The volume of the serviced room: the instructions for the device indicate the area of the room it is designed for. However, here you need to make a correction for the height of the ceilings, since the device is designed for the volume of the room. If the ceiling height is much higher than average, you need to buy a device designed for a large area.
- Noise level is a key criterion if the humidifier will be used at night. It is necessary to pay attention not only to the noise level during the operation of mechanisms, but also to gurgling and to the operation of warning signals (especially if they are repetitive).
- A built-in hygrometer is a controversial option, as it only measures humidity next to the humidifier itself. It will be much more useful to purchase a separate moisture meter and install it near the bed.
- The choice of the type of control - mechanical, from a remote control, from a smartphone, depends only on the planned purchase budget.
- Ergonomics - how convenient it is to fill the tank with water, the ability to adjust the direction of steam: all this will facilitate the use of the device.
- Consumables: how many replaceable filters are installed, how often they need to be replaced.
- Water Requirements: While some appliances can be filled with tap water, complex models may even require distilled water.
- Air ionization is a necessary option for allergy sufferers.
The choice of the very design of the device for allergy sufferers is only a matter of budget.
Excessive humidity for this category of users is as harmful as dryness. Therefore, any device that guarantees an increase in humidity up to 50% will be useful for them.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Video recommendations for choosing the perfect humidifier for you personally:
Buying a humidifier for allergy sufferers is a must. It will have an undeniable healing effect on the condition of people suffering from respiratory diseases. In addition, the device will significantly improve the indoor climate, which will not be superfluous for other household members.
Do you have personal experience with a humidifier? Do you want to share useful information on the topic of the article? Write comments, please ask questions and post photos in the block below.
