Lung Health: Dry air in winter, increasing pollution and continuously decreasing Air Quality Index (AQI) – these three things deteriorate the quality of indoor air to a great extent. At such times, use of air purifier becomes mandatory. However, many people have doubts whether keeping the purifier on continuously reduces the humidity in the house and harms the lungs. In this context, we tried to know its scientific explanation from experts. Dr. Suleman Ladhani, Consultant Pulmonologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central also confirmed this.Dr. Ladhani said, “Air purifiers do not reduce humidity directly, but if they are run at high speed in a closed room, they can reduce the humidity in the room. Low humidity can cause sensitivity of the inner lining of the nose, throat and respiratory system. This can lead to problems like dryness, pain, cough and irritation in the eyes. Clean air is important, but the lungs like clean and slightly humid air the most. Should I reduce the use of purifiers? Want?Dr. According to Ladhani, air purifiers are extremely essential on days when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is very high, especially for children, elderly and people suffering from asthma/allergy. He adds, “The solution is not to switch them off; but to use them properly. Use auto mode, switch off the machine after a few hours, and avoid running it for long periods of time by turning off the room completely. A humidifier, water bowl or wet towel can also be used with an air purifier to maintain the right humidity. Ideally, the humidity in the house should be between 40-60%.” How do you know if the air in your home is too dry? Is it?Persistent sore throat, bloody nose in the morning, dry cough, dry skin or feeling of tightness in the respiratory tract—all these symptoms can be signs of lack of moisture in the air.Dr. “People blame pollution, but dry indoor air is an overlooked cause,” says Ladhani. How to keep the air cleaner? Limit your air purifier usage; Don’t keep them on ‘turbo’ mode all the time. Maintain humidity in the room—a humidifier, bowl of water, or wet towels may help. Keep your nose moist with salt water spray. Let the air flow by opening the windows in the time of less pollution (morning). Keep windows/doors closed when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is high. Check and replace the purifier’s filters regularly; Clogged filters reduce their efficiency. What else should you remember? Houseplants are not a substitute for air purifiers or ventilation, but they can make a room more comfortable by adding a little moisture to the air. “Although they are useful, they should be viewed as supplements, not the main remedy,” says Dr. Ladhani. No matter how polluted the air outside is, your home can be a safer place to breathe. Dr. Ladhani says, “The main thing is to maintain a balance of clean air and the right amount of moisture. Clean air alone is not enough; clean and comfortable air is best for your lungs.”FAQ1. Question: Does running an air purifier really reduce humidity in the house? Answer: Yes, not directly, but indirectly. If the purifier is continuously run on high or turbo mode in a closed room, the humidity of the air reduces significantly. This can cause problems like dryness in nose and throat, sore throat, cough and eye irritation. Pulmonologist Dr. Suleman Ladhani also agrees with this.2. Question: So should we switch off the purifier when pollution levels are high? Answer: Not at all! Especially if there are children, elderly or asthma-allergy patients in your house, do not switch off the air purifier. Just use it properly: turn on auto mode, run for a few hours and then turn off for a while. Do not seal the room completely. Place a humidifier, bowl of water or wet towel near it. Maintain 40-60 percent humidity level in the room.3. Question: How do you know if the air in your home is too dry and what should you do? Answer: If you notice these symptoms, it means the humidity is too low: nose bleeding in the morning, persistent sore throat, dry cough, very dry skin, and wheezing. Remedy: Run the purifier for a short period of time, keep a humidifier or a bowl of water, use saline spray in the nose, in the morning when the air water quality If AQI is low, open windows for 15-20 minutes and keep green plants in the house (they increase some humidity).
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