Humidity, that is, the amount of water vapour in the air, may seem like just another part of the weather forecast, but it has a direct influence on our health. If humidity is too high or too low, it can be irritating and even make us sick, particularly in vulnerable groups like expectant mothers and babies etc. Thus, with the continuous changes in humidity and the potential effects, it is imperative to understand its general impact and how to prevent any conditions related to the same.
High humidity health effects
On days when relative humidity is greater than 60 per cent, the air can feel heavy. The body will find it difficult to cool effectively because sweat does not evaporate quickly. This can cause several health-related complications.
- Heat-related illnesses: High humidity raises the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, especially during hot weather. Infants, older people, and people with heart conditions are particularly vulnerable because their bodies are less efficient at regulating temperature.
- Respiratory issues: Damp, moist air provides the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and dust mites. These allergens provoke asthma attacks, worsen bronchitis, and lead to excess coughing. Vulnerable groups like pregnant women, kids, and those suffering from COPD also tend to be impacted the most.
- Skin problems: Humid conditions trigger oily and sweaty skin, which are the leading causes of most breakouts. Women who are expecting and children are more prone to these breakouts due to increased vulnerability. Other skin-related illnesses that spread more easily in the heat are ringworm and athlete’s foot.
Prevention Tips:
- Control indoor humidity by using dehumidifiers or air conditioning.
- Increase ventilation when cooking, using bathrooms, or exploring basements where mold may have grown.
- Wear loose, breathable clothes that allow skin to breathe and help maintain a cooler body temperature.
- Drink plenty of water to help prevent dehydration and heat stress. Electrolyte supplements can also be incorporated for a better effect.
Health effects of low humidity
- Skin irritation: Hormonal changes create skin dryness in pregnant women with increased itchiness, eczema, and psoriasis. Low humidity increases flakiness and roughness.
- Respiratory complications: Dry air means dry linings in the nasal passages and throat. They are your first line of defense against colds, flu, and sinus infections. Children are at greater risk due to their developing lungs.
- Eye trouble: Lack of humidity causes dryness, redness, irritation and discomfort for people who use contact lens.
- Sleep disruption: Expectant mothers already generally suffer from poor sleep, but dry air impairs their rest by causing a dry cough, nasal dryness, and throat irritation during the night.
- Disruption of sleep: Expectant mothers already have poor sleep due to the hormonal changes and stress their body undergoes. Dry air can exacerbate that and cause one to cough at night, cause dryness in the nose, and throat irritation, making it difficult to sleep.
Prevention Tips:
- Use a humidifier to restore moisture in dry indoor air.
- To increase humidity, place water bowls near heat sources or keep house plants.
- Use a saline nasal spray in the nose to prevent crusting and dryness.
- Drink plenty of water so that the body is always adequately hydrated.
Humidity control is a critical factor in several other functions, such as skin health, the respiratory system, immunity, and even overall health. An excess or lack of humidity in the environment can have serious consequences, but with the right knowledge and some proactive actions, one can prevent any such complications.
Dr Durga Damodharan is a Sr Consultant Family Physician & Diabetologist at Apollo Cradle & Children's Hospital, Chennai-Karapakkam.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.