Health Tip: Using a Humidifier?

Running a humidifier during the dry months may help moisturize sinus passages, but it can cause problems for those with allergies.

The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology suggests how to minimize allergy symptoms during humidifier use:

• Talk to your allergist about using a humidifier to see if it would be beneficial.
• Make sure the humidity level stays between 30 percent and 45 percent.
• Regularly clean and change the filter on your humidifier. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for how to do so.
• Fill your humidifier with distilled water to help limit bacteria growth and the formation of a white dust that may aggravate allergies.