Pleasant and soothing breezes, admirable ambiance, lush greenery and long drives – there are a variety of things to love about monsoons. However, one of the most detestable is the high humidity. Monsoons are accompanied by high humidity, i.e. when water vapour in the air increases. This can make us feel fine or downright sweaty, especially when it is hot and there is no wind blowing.
Interestingly, humidity can do more than just make us feel a certain way. It can affect our body and our health, and it may not be a positive effect.
Curious? Read on. In this blog, we will discuss the effect of humidity on our health.
Loss of moisture
Humidity itself implies high levels of moisture in the air. However, moisture loss is a direct consequence of it. It may seem counterintuitive, but this happens due to increased heat and reduced evaporation. Your body feels much warmer when the humidity is high. This causes excess sweating in the body. However, high levels of humidity make it difficult for sweat to evaporate, leaving the moisture on the skin. It can cause the following health effects.
High humidity makes it difficult for sweat to evaporate, reducing the body’s ability to cool itself effectively. This can lead to an increase in body temperature, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms can include dizziness, headaches, rapid heart rate, and even fainting, highlighting the need to hydrate and take cool-down breaks in humid conditions.
It aggravates respiratory problems
For people with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions, high humidity can make breathing problems worse. Humid air can cause airways to narrow, leading to shortness of breath, wheezing, and discomfort. Additionally, high humidity promotes the growth of allergens like mold and dust mites, which trigger allergic reactions and worsen respiratory symptoms. Keeping indoor humidity between 30% and 50% can help mitigate these effects.
It causes skin problems.
High humidity combined with heat can cause excessive sweating, which clogs pores and triggers acne or skin irritations. Conditions such as heat rash and worsening symptoms of eczema or psoriasis are common in humid environments. To manage these effects, regular cleansing, breathable clothing, and non-comedogenic products are necessary to maintain healthier skin.
It affects mental well-being
High humidity can make the environment feel oppressive, leading to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Studies suggest that extreme heat and humidity can negatively affect mood and cognitive function, making people more prone to stress and anxiety. Conversely, low humidity can lead to dehydration of the skin, eyes, and airways, increasing the risk of infections like colds and flu.
Affects hydration levels.
Low humidity, which is common in winter or in heated indoor environments, can lead to dehydration as moisture is drawn away from the skin and respiratory tract. This can lead to dry, itchy skin, cracked lips and dry eyes, as well as irritated airways, which increase susceptibility to infections. Using humidifiers in dry conditions and staying hydrated can help alleviate these problems.
Reduces physical performance
High humidity puts additional stress on the body during exercise as it struggles to regulate temperature effectively. This can lead to increased heart rate, fatigue and reduced endurance, which affects physical performance. Athletes and those exercising outdoors in humid conditions should stay hydrated, wear appropriate clothing and take breaks to cool down to avoid heat-related illness.
It affects living spaces and belongings.
Humidity levels also affect our homes and belongings. High humidity can cause wood to warp, paint to peel, and encourage mold and mildew growth, which pose health risks and damage property. Maintaining a balanced indoor humidity is essential for both personal comfort and the preservation of our spaces and belongings.
Final thoughts
Humidity levels fluctuate throughout the year. While humidity levels are high during monsoons, levels are low during winter. These fluctuating changes can affect your health. Whether you have to deal with stifling high humidity or the dryness of low humidity, staying informed can help you make the right adjustments for your body and your environment.
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