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Humidifiers and health
Humidifiers and health

Humidifiers and health
Alternative Names:
Health and humidifiers
Information:


Question:
Does using a humidifier keep you healthier in the winter?

Answer:
Not necessarily, but increasing the humidity in your home helps eliminate the dry air that can irritate and inflame the respiratory passages in the nose and throat, and can relieve the discomfort of colds and the flu. Humidified air can be particularly helpful for people who suffer from asthma.

Remember that humidifiers need to be drained and cleaned frequently -- bacteria can multiply in dirty and stale water, including the bacteria that causes legionnaire's disease. If using a humidifier for a child, make sure it is a cool mist humidifier to avoid accidental steam burns.
Review Date: 8/22/2001
Reviewed By: Elizabeth Hait, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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