Do you also have a stuffy nose? Do your throat and eyes itch? Is sneezing, sometimes like a runny nose, a common occurrence? Even though we take medicine for this, sometimes this problem comes back again and again. The reason for this is much simpler than you think, but it may be something we don't pay much attention to. That is the high humidity in your home environment. Yes, don't be surprised. Humidity in the house can make your allergies worse. So today we will talk about the relationship between this humidity and allergies and about a device called `Dehumidifier` that can be used as a solution to this.
Why does humidity in the home affect allergies so much?
Simply put, there are certain things (we call these `triggers`) that trigger our allergies, that is, increase our symptoms. Humidity is the best environment for these `triggers` to thrive and breed. Let's look at two main types of `triggers`.
1. Mold and Mildew
Mold is something that grows easily in any place where there is moisture. Think of a damp spot in the corner of your bathroom, under the kitchen sink, where there is a water leak from the roof, or on a wall that doesn't get much sun. Mold can grow anywhere. These types of mold release their tiny particles called spores into the air. These are too small for us to see with our eyes. When these spores enter our nose and throat when we breathe, they can cause a sudden increase in allergy symptoms.
2. Dust Mites
Dust mites are a major cause of allergies and asthma. These are tiny mites that we cannot see with the naked eye. They love to live in warm and humid places. So, our bedding, pillows, mattresses, sofas, curtains, and carpets are their home. When humidity increases, the population of dust mites also increases rapidly. When these mites and their waste enter our respiratory system, allergies become severe.
So do you understand? When we control the humidity in our homes, what we're really doing is eliminating the environment where these allergens called mold and dust mites can live.
How do I know if my house is too humid?
Sometimes, we may not realize that our homes have too much moisture inside. This is especially true during the rainy season. Take a look to see if your home has any of these symptoms.
| Sign | Description |
|---|---|
| Damp spots on walls and ceilings | If the walls have changed color and you see damp spots here and there, that's a clear sign. |
| Feeling trapped in rooms | If you feel suffocated or have difficulty breathing when you enter certain rooms, it may be because the air is too humid. |
| Condensation on window panes | When you look at the window in the morning, do you see water droplets on the inside of the window glass, looking like they've been sweated on? That means the humidity inside the room is too high. |
| Musty Smell | If you come home and smell a strange, musty smell when you open a closet or go into a room, it's a sign that mold is growing somewhere. |
| Decay of wooden furniture | If the wooden furniture and door and window frames in your home are rotting and peeling quickly, excessive moisture is also affecting them. |
If your home has one or more of these symptoms, it's time to think about a dehumidifier.
What is a dehumidifier? What does it do?
A dehumidifier is a very simple device. It works by absorbing excess water vapor ( moisture ) from the air, making it dry. It works like a sponge absorbing water.
This machine has a cooling coil inside. It draws in the moist air from the room and passes it over the cooling coil. The water vapor in the air condenses (like sweat forming around a glass of water) into water droplets that collect in a tank inside the machine. The dry air is then released back into the room. After a while, you'll be amazed at how much water has accumulated in the tank!
By reducing the humidity in the air in this way, mold and dust mites no longer have a suitable environment to live in. As a result, your allergy symptoms will gradually decrease and you will be able to breathe much easier.
How do I choose the right dehumidifier for my home?
There are different types and sizes of `Dehumidifier` available in the market. You should choose one according to your needs. There are mainly a few types.
| Dehumidifier type | Description and who is suitable? |
|---|---|
| Small-Capacity Portable | These are small in size and easy to move from one place to another. They are ideal for a single room, bathroom, or small space like a basement. |
| Large-Capacity Portable | These are also portable, but have a larger capacity. These are good for a large room, living room, or any place with a lot of humidity. |
| Whole-House Dehumidifiers | These are installed in the home's HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. This allows you to control the humidity in your entire home at once. However, these are expensive and require professional help to install. |
Keep these things in mind when using a dehumidifier:
- Water tank : Be sure to empty the tank when it is full. Otherwise, the machine will stop. Some models can be equipped with a pipe that allows the collected water to be directed directly to the drain.
- Cleaning the filter: Dust particles in the air also get trapped in the filter. Therefore, always remove, wash, and clean the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Placement: Ideally, it should be in the middle of the room. This will allow air to circulate well throughout the room.
Prices vary greatly depending on the type, size, and brand. A small `portable` model can be purchased for a relatively low price. However, a `whole-house` system can cost a significant amount.
Take-Home Message
- The cause of your frequent allergies may be mold and dust mites in your home environment.
- The main reason for the growth of these allergens is the high humidity in the air.
- A dehumidifier removes excess moisture from the air, creating an environment where these allergens cannot survive.
- If there are signs such as damp spots on the walls of your home, a musty smell, and water on the windows, these are signs that the humidity in your home is too high.
- When buying a dehumidifier, choose one that suits the size and humidity level of your room.
- If your allergy symptoms do not subside or are severe despite doing these things, be sure to see your doctor for advice.
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