Humidifiers and health

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Humidifiers and health

Health and humidifiers

Increasing the humidity in your home helps eliminate the dry air that can irritate and inflame the passages in the nose and throat. Humidified air can relieve the discomfort of colds and the flu and can be particularly helpful for people who suffer from asthma. Humidified air can also help maintain skin moisture and alleviate dry skin.

Humidifiers must be drained and cleaned frequently, because bacteria can multiply in dirty and stale water, including the bacteria that causes Legionnaire's disease. Children should use a cool-mist humidifier to avoid accidental steam burns.

Review Date: 10/25/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, M.D., FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.