These days, the autumn wind howls fiercely, and temperatures have dropped noticeably. Many citizens complain of dry, uncomfortable throats due to the cold, dry weather. One household appliance has started selling like hotcakes: the air humidifier. But using an air humidifier requires proper technique. Used correctly, it can prevent illness and reduce humidity; used improperly, it can trigger respiratory diseases.
Caution: Improper Use May Lead to Pneumonia and Other Respiratory Illnesses
During the dry autumn season, women are particularly attentive to skin care, often worried that dry air will strip moisture from their skin. Some even direct humidifiers toward their faces for extended periods while working. Experts warn that this practice is highly inadvisable.According to Yue Lili, Director of the Respiratory Department at Luoyang First People's Hospital, frequently used humidifiers can easily breed bacteria. Inhaling such contaminated air can lead to bronchitis, pneumonia, and other illnesses."While humidifiers serve a beneficial purpose, improper use can backfire," she explained. She cited cases where humidifier use exacerbated chronic asthma. Laboratory analysis of residual water in the humidifiers revealed significant bacterial growth, identified as the primary cause of worsening symptoms. She recommends cleaning humidifiers regularly and turning them off after three to four hours of operation.
Reminder: Clean humidifiers weekly with plain water. Use purified water during operation, as tap water can form mineral deposits that harbor bacteria. Always empty residual water daily. When not in use, clean and air-dry the unit before storing.
Tip: Traditional Chinese Medicine Experts Suggest Adding Herbal Remedies
Experts recommend adding herbal ingredients to humidifiers. This not only increases air humidity but also helps prevent and treat illnesses.He explains that boiling appropriate amounts of honeysuckle, chrysanthemum, angelica dahurica, and patchouli in water, then diluting the resulting decoction with clean water before adding it to the humidifier, can be effective. Close doors and windows to allow the vapor to permeate the room. Beyond moisturizing the air, the herbs' properties of clearing heat, relieving summer heat, and promoting nasal passage clearance offer benefits for dry rhinitis and pharyngitis.Alternatively, a few drops of Tiger Balm oil can be added to the humidifier water. Other options include boiling chrysanthemum, dandelion, and magnolia flower in water, or diluting heat-clearing and detoxifying oral liquids or Shuanghuanglian oral liquid with water before adding to the humidifier.