13.07.2020
Relative Humidity and Allergies: Hydrate and Minimize the Risk
Whether you have seasonal or constant allergies, the indoor environments where you spend the most time can have a profound impact on how severe your reactions are, but why? The answer is in the air. It also has to do with how much hydration you’re getting – is it too much or too little? Today, let’s explore the relationship between relative humidity and allergies, and why monitoring the former means a less frustrating experience with the latter. Why is Hydration so Important? There are plenty of examples of using moisture to fend off the most irksome allergic reactions, especially when it comes to airborne particles such as pet dander and dust mites. Some include nasal sprays featuring a saline solution to help you breathe easier, achieved by clearing the nasal passage. However, the most significant source of hydration is an indoor humidifier; one that is user-friendly and easy to set at appropriate relative humidity levels (40 to 60 percent being ideal). Proper hydration, with humidifiers protects the throat, nasal membranes, bronchial tubes, and other sensitive parts of the respiratory system. The biggest benefit is that they won’t dry out, so sinus infections or other serious complications are far less likely to occur. This is critical for those with severe allergies who experience already-restricted airflow once a reaction is triggered. Minimizing Airborne Source Reach Dander, dust, lightweight chemical compounds, mold spores, sprays from cleaning solutions, and more all rely on the indoor airflow to distribute through a space. In low-humidity conditions, they can travel further and therefore negatively impact more individuals occupying the space. By regulating the indoor relative humidity, ideally between 40-60%RH, these triggers of allergic reactions can be kept to a minimum, helping you isolate the spread. Recovery Whether dealing with watery eyes, phlegm buildup, breathing difficulties or otherwise, the environment itself can have a direct influence on how easy it is to recover. Remaining in an indoor area with proper humidity control standards in place can help ensure a quicker, less stressful recovery from an allergic reaction. At the same time, the aforementioned air moisture content regulation helps to fend off allergens, all while reducing the risk of your condition worsening. Seasonal Proactivity and Easier Cleaning If you or select employees live with seasonal allergies, investing in an appropriate and dependable solution such as a high-efficiency humidifier can minimize the risk of complications or discomfort. Keeping conditions consistently comfortable with just enough hydration can ensure aerosols containing bacteria and allergens will settle more quickly. Dust is also suppressed more easily, so weekly cleanings of workplace environments are going to kick up fewer clouds and not develop as thick a layer of dust mites on surfaces. If you’re ready to get the most out of your application while also minimizing the presence of allergens, the link between relative humidity and allergies shouldn’t be ignored. For further details on cost-effective, highly efficient humidifiers and other solutions optimized for health and comfort, contact us at Condair today. We’re happy to help! Similar Links: https://www.condair.com/humidifiernews/blog-overview/effects-of-humidity-on-the-human-body
