Many individuals experience a resurgence of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis as humidity levels rise with damp weather, impacting both daily life and overall health.
Experts emphasize the critical role of humidity control in alleviating symptoms of rhinitis. Maintaining indoor humidity between 40% and 60% is generally recommended, alongside regular cleaning and ventilation to minimize allergens, according to recent guidance.
Both excessively high and low humidity can exacerbate nasal and sinus conditions. Elevated moisture levels can irritate the mucous membranes lining the nasal passages and sinuses, promoting inflammation. Conversely, excessively dry air can too cause irritation and dryness, triggering similar issues. A physician at Inha University Hospital, 염진희 (Yeom Jin-hee), explained that fluctuations outside the optimal range can worsen both rhinitis and sinusitis.
“High or low humidity can stimulate the mucous membranes of the nose and sinuses and further cause inflammation, which can worsen rhinitis or sinusitis,” 염진희 stated in a recent consultation. “While a humidity level of around 40-50% is known to be helpful, the optimal humidity level may vary from person to person, so it is important to adjust the humidity to suit your individual needs.”
While a humidity level of 40-50% is often cited as beneficial, individuals should prioritize finding a level that provides personal comfort and symptom relief. The ideal humidity level is not universally applicable and requires individual assessment.