In the cold season, the optimal air humidity in a living room should be 30-45%, and in the warm season – 30-60%, Anna Serikova, a therapist at the Fomina Clinic chain of clinics in Belgorod, told Gazeta.Ru.
“Too low humidity can lead to dryness, irritation and damage to the skin, respiratory tract and mucous membranes. Violation of the integrity of the skin barrier and mucous membranes can increase sensitivity to allergens and trigger a specific inflammatory response. In some cases, a dry nose can even lead to nosebleeds. Normalizing air humidity and using moisturizing drops can prevent nosebleeds,” said the doctor.
According to the specialist, dryness is a constant companion to skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis. Therefore, it is important to maintain humidity in the optimal range, otherwise remission may not be achieved.
“In winter, due to the heating season, the humidity in the apartment decreases, so it is important to increase it with the help of humidifiers. In addition to them, plants and regular wet cleaning will help increase the humidity in the room; you can also collect water in containers and place them, for example, on a window,” said the doctor.
However, excess moisture leads to mold growth. This fact may have a negative impact on the control of asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis in susceptible individuals.
“Viruses and bacteria actively reproduce under conditions outside the optimal range. Consequently, it becomes much easier to get respiratory infections in this case. You can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity level in a room. If it is elevated, then it can be reduced with the help of a dehumidifier and regular ventilation of the room,” the doctor concluded.
