Health Tip: Dry Winter Air

It's not good for your nose and throat

(HealthDayNews) -- Winter air often is as dry as it gets.

Moreover, heating your home can reduce the amount of moisture in the air even more, especially if you use a forced-air heating system that doesn't include a humidifier, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Humidity levels in your home should range from 30 percent to 50 percent. Air that is too dry can irritate the lining of your nose, throat and sinuses, and may cause the lining of your nose to bleed.

But don't go overboard. If the humidity in your home goes higher than 50 percent, it can promote the growth of dust mites, a microscopic organism. The waste products of dust mites end up in household dust and when inhaled can cause allergic reactions.

Excess humidity inside your home also promotes the growth of mold, fungi and bacteria.

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