The Health Benefits of Using a Humidifier

Skin dryness often develops as a result of the winter environment. The skin has a harder time holding on to the moisture in the winter. Sejal Shah, M.D. a board-certified dermatologist in New York, recommends using a humidifier through the winter months to save the moisture-sapped skin. 

Besides the skin, the humidifier can be helpful for people with sinus problems. According to Roheen Raithatha, M.D., an ear, nose, and throat doctor, the warm, dry air during the winter can dry out the mucus in the nose and lead to crusting. Also, sleeping in super-dry air can cause nose bleeds. Raithatha also adds that a humidifier can moisturize the air we breathe in reducing the dryness in the nose and allowing the nose to easily clear the mucus. 

The problem with the humidifier, however, is the necessity to keep them clean. Bacteria or fungus can grow in them and be sprayed into the air if the humidifiers are not cleaned properly. According to Raithatha, bacteria or fungus going into the air can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms, as well as lung infections. 

A person can simply change the water daily and follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions.