$Unique_ID{BRK01652}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Are Humidifiers a Good Method of Curing a Common Cold?}
$Subject{humidifier colds}
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{
The Common Cold*0008502.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Are Humidifiers a Good Method of Curing a Common Cold?


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QUESTION:  Is there any truth to the stories about humidifiers in the home
that say they can be a good method of curing a common cold?  My sister-in-law
swears that is so, but some of my friends chuckle when I bring it up.  I get
more colds during the winter months than I can count, and I can use all the
help I can get.  Thank you for your help.

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ANSWER:  I am afraid your relative is wrong, for while the presence of a 
humidifier in the home may help to reduce some of the annoying effects of a 
cold, it can neither prevent or cure the infection.  The cold air of winter 
can not hold as much moisture as the warmer breezes of summer, and when that 
cold air passes through the heater or furnace in your home, the amount of 
moisture it contains drops even lower.  This dry air may affect our breathing 
apparatus, leaving our nose and throat dry, and our lips chapped.  When a cold 
does strike, the mucous dries up as well, blocking the nasal passages, and 
causing distress and difficulty with breathing.  Warm, moist air can reverse 
those conditions, and make breathing a bit easier.  But that is not curing a 
cold, it is just making it a bitter easier to put up with.  You have a wide 
choice of methods and materials to get that humidity back up over the 30 
percent level, judged to be comfortable.  Simply boiling water in a pot will 
help, but steam vaporizers that can be moved about cost less than $25, and are 
helpful for small areas.  And the mist the produce is pure, as the boiling has 
killed any bacteria that were in the water.  Not so with cool-mist vaporizers, 
which cost about $50 and can provide atmospheric moisture for a moderate sized 
room.  They must be cleaned carefully, as bacteria may survive in cool water. 
Ultrasonic humidifiers are also available at a cost ranging from $50-$200, but 
can increase the amount of particles in the air to over the safe limit.  They 
must be maintained properly, changing filters regularly, and using distilled 
water.  Whatever your choice, read labels carefully and get as much 
information you can about the benefits of the model you choose.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
