Yes, a humidifier can make you sick; the question is, how long does humidifier sickness symptoms last?
Don’t worry; it’s not a silly question. As an HVAC technician, I get asked this all the time.
In fact:
Humidifiers can impact on your health if they’re not used properly.
Keep reading if you want to learn:
- What is humidifier fever?
- humidifier sickness treatment
- can a humidifier make you sick
- how long does humidifier fever last
In this guide, I’ll show you what humidifier fever is, the common dirty humidifier sickness symptoms on your health, and how long humidifier fever last,
Let’s get to the point.
What is humidifier fever?
Humidifier fever is a condition that can develop when people use a humidifier to increase their air humidity levels.[1]
The increased humidity can cause a buildup of moisture in the body, leading to several symptoms. Most people who experience fever don’t have any serious health concerns, but it can be uncomfortable and cause fatigue.
Definition of Humidifier Sickness Symptoms
Humidifier sickness is a common problem that people experience when using.
It can cause many symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, and include fever.
If you’re worried about getting sick from using it, then read this article to learn more about the risks and how to treat it.
Symptoms of Humidifier Sickness can vary from person to person, but typically they will include:
Feeling tired or fatigued
Having a headache? Feeling feverish? These are all symptoms include fever. Consult a healthcare professional if you experience any of these symptoms after using your humidifier.
humidifier fever
There are a few things you can do to ease the symptoms of humidifier fever or lung infections.
And if you think you may have the condition, don’t hesitate to contact a doctor.
Flu-like symptoms
If you’re experiencing the potential to trigger flu-like symptoms or even battling a cold, it might be a good idea to avoid using it.[2]
While the humidifier might help to relieve congestion and improve respiratory health, it can also increase your risk of getting a cold.
Tightness in the chest
If you experience any of the following symptoms after using a humidifier, it may be because of humidifier sickness: tightness in the chest, nausea, vomiting.
These symptoms can be due to some factors, including breathing in water droplets or vapor, contaminated mist, lung inflammation (pneumonia), and overhydration.
Trouble breathing during sleep
If you’re experiencing shortness of breath (inhale) when using your humidifier, there are a few things you can do to alleviate the problem.
- Check the filter and replace it if necessary
- Try a different room or location for use
- increase the relative humidity level.
Coughs and Colds
When you get a cold, your body produces more mucus.
This excess mucus also causes congestion and a cough. If the cold is severe, you may also develop a fever.
Can a humidifier make you sick?
Yes, humidifiers make you sick if you don’t clean them.
A humidifier can add moisture to indoor air, which can lead to the development of respiratory infections.
These infections can harm coughing, sneezing, asthma, and other respiratory conditions.
If you have any questions about the health effects of using a humidifier, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
How can a humidifier make you sick?
When humidity levels rise above 50%, they can have adverse effects. These two problems are examined separately here.[3]
Humidity also has negative effects when levels reach a certain point – 50% in this case. This is because the moisture released into the air causes condensation, which can lead to Problems such as:
- Health risks from the growth of mold and other contaminants
- Damage to property from water damage
- Slower work performance due to poor air quality
Now that we have learned about the symptoms of humidifiers, we want to look at how these devices can make you sick.
The most common way this happens is when the unit does not correctly maintain humidity levels or when it is used in an environment with mineral deposits, bacteria or mold.
high humidity
Sleeping With High indoor humidity can make you sick.
While Maintaining Humidity in your home helps to avoid sickness, if you cannot keep your home at comfortable humidity levels and you are experiencing symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention.
dirty humidifier filter
If you have any type of humidifier in your home, be sure to clean your humidifier regularly with hydrogen peroxide regularly to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria. [4]
Follow these tips to keep your humidifier clean:
If your filter is dirty, its humidity levels stay too high.
A dirty filter can also contaminate mold and mildew growth inside your humidifier. Be sure to clean the humidifier filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria, white dust mites, and mold.
- Remove the filter and water in your humidifier properly.
- Wash the filter in warm water and mild soap. (Don’t use tap water)
- Rinse the filter with clean water.
- Put the filter back into the humidifier.
According to Dr. Kinoshita, “an increased level of humidity can actually trigger or worsen asthma and allergy symptoms in people with those conditions.”[5]
Dr. Kinoshita
Is it wrong to use a humidifier?
The short answer is no.
Humidifiers can be beneficial in relieving symptoms of dry air, such as nasal dryness and cough.
However, it is vital to follow basic safety precautions when use humidifiers, including cleaning the unit regularly and using caution when introducing new people or children to the home humidifier.
Humidifier Sickness Symptoms FAQ
Curious about Humidifier fever? Here are some frequent questions and their answers!
How long does humidifier fever last?
Most people recover within a few days after experiencing humidifier fever.
However, some people may experience lingering symptoms for a few weeks.
If you experience any persistent symptoms after getting sick from using a humidifier, then it’s best to see a doctor.
How do you know if your humidifier filter is dirty?
If the water droplets released from your humidifier are too big or if they contain mold, your filter is most likely bad and needs to be replaced.
Other signs that your humidifier filter may be dirty include:
1) decrease mist output
2) increase noise level
3) reduction amount of moisture
If you notice any of these signs, it is best to replace your filter. Bacteria and fungi can be found in dirty areas, which is why it’s important to keep them clean.
Does humidifier fever go away on its own?
Most people who develop humidifier fever will recover once they stop being exposed to the bacteria or virus that caused the fever.
Is humidifier fever contagious?
Humidifier fever is generally not contagious, but it can be if you are close to someone infected.
Can a cool mist humidifier make you sick?
Many people believe that cool-mist humidifiers can make you sick.
However, this is not always the case.
Most units make your home safe and can help improve your respiratory health such as sinus.
The problem comes when people misuse them or don’t clean them properly.
If you are concerned about the safety of your humidifier, it is best to speak with a doctor.
What are the side effects of humidifiers?
Humidifiers can have a number of side effects, including bacteria and mold, nasal congestion, runny nose, and coughing.
They can also cause water droplets to form in your lungs, which can be dangerous if you are sick. If you are using a humidifier at night, be sure to use a filter that removes bacteria and other pollutants.
Also, humidifiers can help soothe dry indoor air and low humidity.
How do you treat humidifier sickness?
There are a few things that can be done to ease symptoms.
The most common thing is to drink plenty of fluids, which will help replace the water lost from the lungs.
Some people take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve the symptoms.
Further medical attention may be necessary if a unit has any long-term effects, such as swollen lymph nodes.
Use distilled or demineralized water to ease symptoms.
Humidifier fever is generally not contagious, but it can be if you are close to someone infected.
Final Thoughts
People who suffer from humidifier sickness may experience sneezing, headache, nasal passages, and a feeling of being “run-down.”[6]
The best way to avoid getting sick is to replace the filter on your unit every month, clean it regularly, and ensure the distilled water is not too cold or hot.
Humidifier sickness is a rare but potentially severe condition that can occur in some people and cause illness.
References:-
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0196064487805759
https://www.medicinenet.com/fever/symptoms.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC470808/
https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/5046.pdf
https://academic.oup.com/omcr/article/2021/10/omab100/6410412
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3922954/
AUTHOR
Robert Smith is an HVAC specialist with 9 years of experience, excelling in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Throughout his career, he has tackled intricate installations and complex HVAC issues. His deep insights and commitment to sharing knowledge help homeowners and professionals achieve optimal indoor air quality and comfort. Robert is dedicated to continuous learning in the ever-evolving HVAC industry.
