Did you know that more than 50 million people in the United States experience various types of allergies each year? According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S.
Allergies occur when one’s immune system reacts to a foreign substance. These substances are known as allergens. Allergies can stem from:
- a specific food
- through inhalation
- an injection
- by touch
The most common from the list above occurs through indoor and outdoor inhalation of allergy triggers such as trees, grass and weed pollen, mold, dust, and animal dander.
Allergy symptoms can range vastly from a scratchy throat, itchy eyes and sinus swelling to hives, asthma attacks, and low blood pressure depending on the case. Many people with allergies often have more than just one type. Even though there are many known causes for allergies, medical professionals have no cure. However, allergies can be managed with the right treatment and preventative measures.
Prevention of allergies depends on the type of allergy you have. For those with indoor and outdoor allergies, you should aim to stay inside with the windows closed. However, indoor air can be dry, causing your nasal passages to dry up, which is why many recommend the regular use of a humidifier to avoid triggering an allergic reaction, sinus infections, colds, and even the flu.
How Does a Humidifier Help With Allergies?
A humidifier increases relative humidity levels in the home. Humidifiers are recommended by medical professionals to relieve common allergy symptoms.
A humidifier is a great preventative measure for allergies and can aid in relieving congestion, sore throats, watery eyes, sinus pain, and inflammation.
It is always recommended to speak with your doctor before using a humidifier to reduce the severity of your allergy symptoms, especially if you suffer from asthma.
Alleviate Dry Sinus Symptoms
The ideal home humidity level for people with allergies is between 40% and 50%. Maintaining an optimal indoor humidity ensures that the moisture you receive from your humidifier can soothe dry sinus passages that allergy sufferers often fall victim to. It is important to make sure that you purchase a humidifier that provides clean, filtered moisture and also mitigates dust and mold.
Which Type of Humidifier Is Best for Allergies
If you experience seasonal allergies, it is important to choose a high-quality humidifier that will allow you to prevent reactions and live comfortably in your space.
When it comes to choosing the best humidifier for allergies, here are three features you should be looking for:
- Effective and Disposable Filters
- No-Mist Technology
- Anti-Mold Technology
Effective and Disposable Filters
The most common allergy triggers are pollen, mold, dust and other airborne allergens such as animal dander. If not regularly maintained, most humidifiers will produce mold, bacteria and other irritants that are then emitted into your air through a mist.
When on the hunt for a humidifier, it is best to purchase one that has a replaceable filter and allows for easy maintenance. Regularly changing your filter allows you to steer clear of making your symptoms worse as the fliter will catch bacteria and metals that may be in your water before they are evaporated into your air.
No-Mist Technology
Just as having a disposable filter is important so is making sure your humidifier doesn’t produce mist. Visible mist from traditional humidifiers is messy and it’s also unhealthy due to particles and bacteria being carried out of the water and into the air. You should look for a humidifier that produces not only clean, but invisible moisture. It has been shown to be the best for your skin and health.
Anti-Mold Technology
Mold is the number one indoor allergen and is also the number one complaint from humidifier owners
Traditional humidifiers allow standing water to sit inside, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold. Without regular up-keep, your humidifier will grow mold which can spew into the air around you, aggravating allergy symptoms. A humidifier with anti-mold technology is best if you suffer from allergies.
Additional Health Benefits
Regular use of a humidifier allows for multiple benefits that will make it a non-negotiable for your home and health.
Besides alleviating season allergy symptoms, a high-quality humidifier can work to improve your skin, sleep, and day-to-day activities.
Having clean, filtered moisture can also help to:
- Relieve symptoms of asthma
- Rehydrate dry patches on the skin and body
- Improve symptoms of Psoriasis and Eczema
- Reduce congestion
- Rehydrate your hair and lips
Having a humidifier in your home is a great way to treat and prevent seasonal allergies and other common health conditions.
