The Effects of Dry Air and How to Combat It

Air with low humidity, often causing discomfort or health issues.
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Meteorology | Dermatology | Home Comfort | Humidity | Skin Care | Hydration | Weather
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Dry Air FAQ


Image credit: atmospherecomfort.com

What happens if you breathe dry air?

Breathing dry air can irritate respiratory ailments, and in some cases lead to asthma, bronchitis, the common cold, the flu and even nosebleeds. Because the majority of our breathing is done through our nose, cold, dry air can cause the inside of our nose to become dry and irritated. Cold air is dry because it holds less moisture than warm air.

What happens if you overexpose to dry air?

From irritated eyes and sinuses to respiratory and skin conditions, overexposure to dry air can cause a variety of symptoms. It may also raise the risk of some illnesses. Since the average American is indoors 90 percent of the time, keeping indoor air at optimal moisture levels is important for a number of health reasons.

Can dry air cause sneezing & coughing?

Now onto people’s physical symptoms that can result from dry air: Symptoms like sneezing and a dry air cough can also increase the chances of viruses spreading. Adding houseplants is one option to increase humidity, but more help is needed when the levels drop too low.

What does dry air mean?

Dry air essentially means less moisture in the air, and although this can occur at any time of the year, and may be caused by factors within the house, it is most often associated with wintry conditions.

What are the health effects of dry air?

The primary health effects associated with dry air exposure include: Respiratory conditions: The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America warns that dry air can cause the airways in your body to narrow and close up, making it difficult to breathe (a process called bronchoconstriction).

How do you know if your air is dry?

You’ll see signs of dry air in your own health and in your home. Here are the symptoms you should look out for: Static electricity: When there is less moisture in the air, you’ll experience more frequent static shocks from fabrics, hairbrushes, and other surfaces in your home.

Can dry air affect your home?

It may be difficult to avoid dry air altogether, especially during the winter, but you do not have to let it affect your home and health. The first step to preventing the air in your house from becoming too dry is to start monitoring your home’s relative humidity.

Dry Air References

If you want to know more about Dry Air, consider exploring links below:

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