The pleasant and soothing breezes, an admirable vibe, lush greenery, and long drives – there are an array of things to love about monsoons. However, one of the most detestable things is high humidity. Monsoons come with high humidity. This is when the water vapour in the air increases. This can either make us feel blissful or absolutely sweaty, especially when the weather is hot and there’s no wind blowing.
Interestingly, humidity can do more than just make us feel a certain way. It can affect our bodies and health. And it may not be a positive effect.
Curious? Keep reading. This blog will discuss the effect of humidity on our health
Loss of moisture
Humidity itself means high levels of moisture in the air. However, a loss of moisture is a direct consequence of it. It may feel counterintuitive but this happens because of increased heat and reduced evaporation. Your body feels way hotter when the humidity is high. This causes excess sweating in the body. However, high humidity levels make the evaporation of sweat difficult, leaving the moisture on the skin. It can cause the following effects on health.
High humidity makes it harder for sweat to evaporate, reducing the body’s ability to cool down effectively. This can cause body temperature to rise, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Symptoms may include dizziness, headaches, rapid heartbeat, and even fainting, emphasizing the need for hydration and cool breaks in humid conditions.
Exacerbates Respiratory Issues
For people with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions, high humidity can worsen breathing problems. Moist air can cause airways to constrict, leading to shortness of breath, wheezing, and discomfort. Additionally, high humidity promotes the growth of allergens like mould and dust mites, triggering allergic reactions and worsening respiratory symptoms. Keeping indoor humidity between 30-50% can help mitigate these effects.
Causes skin problems
High humidity combined with heat can lead to excessive sweating, which clogs pores and triggers acne or skin irritations. Conditions like heat rash and worsened eczema or psoriasis symptoms are common in humid environments. Managing these effects involves regular cleansing, wearing breathable clothing, and using non-comedogenic products to maintain healthier skin.
Impacts 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. In contrast, low humidity can lead to dehydration of the skin, eyes, and respiratory passages, increasing the risk of infections like colds and flu.
Affects hydration levels
Low humidity, often experienced in winter or heated indoor environments, can cause dehydration as moisture is drawn away from the skin and respiratory tract. This can result in dry, itchy skin, chapped lips, and dry eyes, along with irritated respiratory passages that increase susceptibility to infections. Using humidifiers in dry conditions and staying hydrated can help alleviate these issues.
Reduces physical performance
High humidity puts extra strain on the body during exercise, as it struggles to regulate temperature effectively. This can lead to an increased heart rate, fatigue, and reduced endurance, impacting 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 illnesses.
Impacts living spaces and belongings
Humidity levels also affect our homes and belongings. High humidity can cause wood to warp, paint to peel, and foster mould and mildew growth, posing health risks and damaging property. Maintaining balanced indoor humidity is essential for both personal comfort and the preservation of our spaces and possessions.
Closing thoughts
Humidity levels fluctuate all around the year. While you experience high humidity levels in monsoons, you experience low levels in winters. These fluctuating changes can affect your health. Whether dealing with the sweltering stickiness of high humidity or the dryness of low humidity, staying informed can help you make the right adjustments for your body and environment.
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