In autumn and winter, the air is dry, and with indoor heating equipment turned on, many people may feel dry throat, tight skin, and static hair. Humidifiers have become a "winter tool" for many families as a result. But if used improperly, this "moisturizing helper" may become a "health killer" and trigger "humidifier pneumonia". What is' humidifier pneumonia '? Humidifier pneumonia "is not a strict medical term, but a general term for lung inflammation caused by improper use of humidifiers. Sun Lina, Deputy Chief Physician of the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at Peking University Third Hospital, explained that if you forget to regularly change and clean the humidifier, bacteria and fungi will grow inside, and the polluted water will be inhaled into the human body through the aerosol formed by the humidifier atomization; Alternatively, adding fungicides, disinfectants, essential oils, and even lemon to humidifiers can stimulate the trachea, bronchial mucosa, and alveoli, leading to symptoms such as coughing, sputum production, difficulty breathing, and fever. When seeking medical attention, inflammation of the lungs can be found, which is known as "humidifier pneumonia". Why does humidifier pneumonia occur? Microbial contamination is the main cause. If humidifiers are not cleaned for a long time, various microorganisms such as Gram negative bacteria, actinomycetes, Legionella bacteria, and fungi can grow inside. The atomization sheet of ultrasonic humidifiers is particularly prone to accumulating dirt and grime. These microorganisms diffuse into the air with water mist and can directly invade the respiratory tract and lungs after being inhaled by the human body. In addition to causing respiratory infections, they can also trigger excessive immune reactions in the lungs through microbial antigens or endotoxins released by microorganisms, leading to "humidifier pneumonia". The accumulation of dirt inside the humidifier and the presence of minerals in the water can also cause chemical damage to the bronchi and lungs. Improper "addition" carries a higher risk. Some people may add essential oils, vinegar, disinfectants, etc. to humidifiers, thinking that they can "kill bacteria" or "enhance fragrance", but in fact, the harm is extremely great. Sun Lina emphasized that after disinfectants, essential oils, and other substances are atomized, they can cause stronger irritation to the respiratory tract and chemical damage, leading to lung inflammation, even pulmonary fibrosis, and reduced lung function; However, vinegar has a low concentration and cannot effectively "kill bacteria", but instead stimulates the respiratory tract. If the humidity is too high or the water source is unclean, the comfortable relative humidity for the human body is 40% -60%. If the humidifier is turned on for 24 hours, it may cause the indoor humidity to be too high (over 70%), reduce the body's resistance, and worsen the condition of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rhinitis, and other conditions. In addition, using tap water directly also has hidden dangers. Tap water contains minerals and microorganisms, which may cause diseases after atomization. It is recommended to use purified water or distilled water. How to use humidifiers scientifically? 1. Don't be lazy when cleaning regularly. Regardless of the type of humidifier, it needs to be cleaned regularly. During daily use, it is recommended to clean the atomizer once every 2-3 days to avoid the accumulation of scale and microorganisms; Even humidifiers that claim to have "built-in sterilization function" cannot replace regular cleaning. Before use and during use, the interior of the device must be thoroughly cleaned. 2. Choosing the right water source is crucial. Prioritizing pure water or distilled water can reduce internal pollution in humidifiers and avoid the appearance of "white frost" on furniture surfaces. At the same time, it is necessary to change the water regularly to avoid the long-term storage of bacteria in the water tank. 3. It is prohibited to add "additives" indiscriminately, whether it is essential oils, vinegar, disinfectants, or lemons, and they cannot be poured into humidifiers. These substances can be inhaled into the lungs through atomization, irritating the respiratory tract or causing serious infections. Remember the principle of "humidifiers only add water". 4. Control the temperature and humidity well. It is recommended to keep the indoor temperature between 18 ℃ and 24 ℃ and the humidity between 40% and 60%. A hygrometer can be used for monitoring to avoid high or low humidity. In addition, windows should be opened 2-3 times a day for ventilation, with each time lasting no less than half an hour. It is recommended to choose 9-11am or 2-4 pm to reduce indoor pathogen concentration and minimize the risk of infection. 5. There is a "flat replacement" solution for humidification. If you are concerned about the inconvenience of using the humidifier, you can hang a damp towel twisted to prevent dripping in a ventilated area indoors to improve humidity through water evaporation. Pay attention to regularly cleaning the towel. In dry autumn and winter, humidifiers can help us improve our living environment, but only by mastering the correct usage can we enjoy moisture while staying away from "humidifier pneumonia" and protect the health of our families. (New Society)