It was a long winter, but spring has finally sprung! Pack up the long underwear and dig out the shades. While most of us are ecstatic about the return of the sun, allergy sufferers may be a little more hesitant to celebrate. Spring thaw means spring allergies.
Allergy Symptoms: Why Do We Suffer?
You know the symptoms: nasal congestion, irritation, itchy eyes, sneezing. Not exactly the most joyous of times for those of us that suffer from seasonal allergies. The cause of these allergies is the pollen and snow mold that the warmer weather brings. We can’t exactly get rid of all the nature that’s affecting us outside, so we often hide inside. But even tucked away from the floating pollen, we still suffer. Why is that? Alberta is a naturally dry place, which isn’t doing our noses any favours.
Bring in the Moisture
Dry air irritates your nasal passages, encouraging your body to overproduce mucus. That extra goop makes it more difficult for you to naturally purge any allergens that you’re being exposed to. Adding moisture into the air with a humidifier is a great way to counteract those negative effects. This will help your body’s natural methods to fight off the allergies.
Precautions to Keep in Mind
While humidity can relieve your allergy symptoms, there are a few things to consider when choosing and programming a humidifier:
- Humidity above 50% can encourage mold growth.
- Dust mites thrive in humidity levels around 70-80%.
- Proper maintenance is key. Left unattended, bacteria and fungi can grow in the humidifier and cause a whole host of problems.
Best Types of Humidifiers for Allergies
There are several types of humidifiers that can aid those allergy symptoms effectively. From evaporative humidifiers to steam humidifiers, you can bet that there is something out there to suit your needs. Some can be built right into your HVAC system, while others are stand alone.
Tired of seasonal allergies taking over your spring? Ask the specialists at Nor-Can what a humidifier can do for you!