Effect of heater on lungs? Image Credit source: Getty Images
During the winter season, many people sleep by turning on the heater in their room at night to avoid cold. This method provides heat, but due to low humidity in the room and dry air, it can have many effects on the body. Problems like sore throat, dryness of skin and irritation in eyes are common due to dry air. Staying in front of the heater for a long time can also cause difficulty in breathing, especially children, elderly people and people already suffering from respiratory diseases face more problems. That is why it is important to understand what effect sleeping with the heater on overnight can have on the lungs and what symptoms should be paid attention to.
heater Constant hot and dry air can affect the lungs and its initial symptoms often resemble a cold. People may feel dryness in the throat, cough, shortness of breath or heaviness in the chest when they wake up in the morning. Some people may also cough repeatedly at night. If someone already has asthma, bronchitis or allergy problems, then sleeping with the heater on can increase their problems. If this happens for a long time, symptoms like persistent cough, fatigue and shortness of breath may appear. Therefore these signs should not be ignored.
What effect does sleeping with the heater on have on the lungs?
Dr. Bhagwan Mantri in Moolchand Hospital It is said that the heat of the heater absorbs the moisture of the room, due to which the air becomes extremely dry. When we breathe in such air, the tubes of the lungs start shrinking and there is a burning sensation in them. Due to this, cough increases, throat becomes dry and difficulty in breathing is felt.
Apart from this, dry air thickens the mucus present inside the lungs, which increases the obstruction in breathing. This condition reduces the cleaning ability of the lungs and increases the risk of infection. People who already have asthma or allergies are immediately affected by the air from the heater and may face problems like shortness of breath at night. Therefore, using a heater definitely provides comfort, but if used incorrectly, it can have a direct impact on the health of the lungs.
What precautions should be taken while using the heater?
Keep light ventilation in the room.
Keep a bucket of water nearby or run a humidifier.
Do not run the heater all night.
Do not allow children and elderly people to sit too close to the heater.