Is High Humidity Level Bad For Health? Extreme heat and humidity can take a toll on the human body, even if we don’t realize it. At high levels of humidity, sweat losses increase, and the body has difficulties drying off, making us feel sticky and uncomfortable. This is especially true for those who suffer from chronic or other respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies.
Let’s examine how high humidity level affects human health and what we can do to beat the heat without putting our health at risk.
Difficulty in breathing and airways irritations. When humidity levels are high, the air feels thick and hard to breathe as you inhale through your mouth or nose. This can lead to respiratory issues such as asthma flare-ups.
People who suffer from allergies may experience sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, congestion, and other symptoms caused by allergies.
High humidity levels make the environment too hot to work or play in, leaving you tired after a certain time of exposure. In some cases, it can lead to heat stress which is not good for anyone’s heart. It causes the heart rate and body temperature to rise.
We all know that high humidity levels make it difficult to breathe and can trigger asthma attacks, but if you have a respiratory condition such as chronic bronchitis or cystic fibrosis, they might be triggered more easily by higher humidity levels. In some cases, the mucus secretions become thicker, which increases breathing difficulty.
High humidity levels make your skin sticky, sweaty, and clammy. You might develop prickly heat or rashes on other areas of your body when exposed to high temperatures for long periods. These are not good signs for people who have chronic conditions such as psoriasis, dandruff, and eczema.
Staph infections are more common because of high humidity levels that cause your pores to be open, making it easy for bacteria to enter our bodies through the skin. This infection can be treated easily if detected early, but other conditions may arise if left untreated, which can lead to infections.
When humidity levels are high, some people might experience headaches that may be caused by migraines or sinus conditions. If you’re not sure about what’s causing your headache, check the humidity levels first before heading to the doctor.
High humidity levels may trigger digestive problems such as upset stomach, abdominal cramping, and bloating.
When there is too much humidity in the air, dry eyes are more likely to happen. This can be treated with eye drops or artificial tears that lubricate your eyes without causing any side effects like blurry vision.
When humidity levels are high, heat rashes and prickly heat might happen because bacteria multiply in warm environments. People who suffer from skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema might get irritated if their skin is exposed to excessive moisture for an extended period.
When humidity levels are high, you might feel tired after a certain period that is caused by the hot environment. If you’re not used to it, or you have health issues, this can affect your daily activities and make it hard for your muscles to perform physical tasks.
You might get a sudden onset of flu-like symptoms that are caused by viruses. These symptoms include a runny nose, cough, and sore throat. These respiratory issues happen as a result of bacteria multiplying as humidity levels rise, which exposes us to more germs.
Limit outdoor activities during peak hours of the day when it’s hottest (usually between 12 pm to 4 pm). Stay indoors as much as possible when humidity levels are high to avoid skin irritations such as prickly heat and rashes. But if this is not an option, stay near the air conditioner or wear clothing that can keep your body temperature low.
Stay indoors on days where humidity levels are high, especially if you have respiratory conditions like allergies or asthma. Avoid using scented products while inside your home because some smells can make breathing difficult for people who suffer from respiratory conditions.
Stay hydrated all day but limit your intake of caffeinated drinks because caffeine is a diuretic that causes the body to lose water. Eat foods high in fiber to help keep you feeling full for longer, so you don’t feel hungry as often, or drink fruit juices with pulp, especially if you have digestive issues caused by exposure to high humidity levels.
Avoid heavy meals to avoid digestive issues, especially if you are sensitive to high humidity levels, spicy foods, or specific smells that trigger stomach discomfort.
Wear light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton and linen. If you’re one of those people who gets prickly heat, try wearing clothing made from silk or other synthetic materials that can wick away moisture easily. Plus, it doesn’t trap heat against the skin too much, causing sweat build-up on your body.
Wash your hands more frequently or use hand sanitizer if ever there is a possibility of bacteria entering the body through the skin.
Use a cool-mist humidifier to restore moisture levels inside your home if humidity is low or when it’s too dry outside. You can also use this device to maintain a comfortable level of humidity indoors so you stay hydrated and won’t worry about experiencing any issues related to high humidity levels.
Seek medical attention right away if you think you have any of the skin conditions mentioned above because early detection is key to treating these conditions successfully without causing side effects that can affect your quality of life.
There are many ways to beat the heat when you feel stressed out by high humidity levels, especially when it’s very hot outside, but don’t forget that you still need to take care of yourself.
You can avoid getting sick all year round by having a good bedtime routine, eating healthy food, and staying active every day, so your body doesn’t feel sluggish all the time. This will also help you maintain a healthy weight without having to worry about negative effects!