What Does A Dehumidifier Actually Do?

[divegirl]

As above really. Would it help with getting rid of kiddies constant chest infections and the like?

A bit of a strange question but my sil is at her wits end!

Lisa x

[divegirl]

Oh and yes...their flat is cold and damp!

[dannyk13]

Takes humidity out of the air

[sandyRoe]

It just traps some of the moisture that's in the air. I can't see how it could help the kids.

[Sqad]

Well, as Danny says, it takes moisture out of the air.....dries it. We have one and it stops dampness in the walls and subsequent mould formation.

Now for kiddies chests, i would have thought that damp cold air would be bad for the chests, but warm damp air would be good for the relief of chest infections.
In the UK, with central heating then a dehumidifier would be of little help with chest infections, but might be useful in cold damp houses. Mind you, if they couldn't afford warmth in the house, then they would not be able to afford a dehumidifier.

That's it.

[divegirl]

Thanks to all.... and Sqad thats why I asked as I was going to buy them one ....but only if it was going to be of any help..
The kids [aged 1 and 5 seem] to be constantly ill and it's pretty soul destroying for us all. Was just looking for a way to help them ;0/

Lisa x

[Sqad]

Yes, I understand, but it is not a dehumidifier that they need but just the opposite...a humidifier.

Providing their abode is warm, then i would suggest....

http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/pharmacology/a/top_humidifiers.htm

[Mosaic]

Raising the temperature in the house will have the additional effect of reducing humidity but the dampness will return as soon as the temperature drops again.

So the real issue to resolve is why the dampness is happening - if it's a leak etc try to get that sorted, If it's simply people in the house in winter - I know this is counter-intuitive but you need to open windows and let fresh air blow through. Wrap up warm and do this for a couple of hours every day. The incoming air blowing through will have a drying effect, provided its not p-ing down outside, and the fresher air will have less of the bacterial broth that builds up when people breath, sneeze and cough.

[Mosaic]

BTW if cost of heating is an issue, bear in mind that an effective dehumidifier needs power to run. The sort with salts in a bowl are very ineffective unless insode something like a cupboard or tiny closed-up room.

[Clanad]

Along with Sqad's cogent advice... if any of the kids are in school (a 5 year old here in the U.S. could be in kindergarten) then chances are they are bringing the virus home and spreading it to the other children.

As already stated, a humidifier works wonders in winter conditions due to the higher temps and dry air by introducing more... well... humidity... which is a good thing for the kids breathing apparatus.

In fact, we've found that anyone (might be difficult to start young children) regularly irrigating the sinuses to be one of the best ways to cut down on catching the particular strain of cold going around (plus religiously washing one's hands). We use a product here called "Oceans", but it's just a squeeze spray bottle of saline solution... no medication of any kind. Anyone (adults included) should use the product as often as possible, but at least 6 to 8 times daily. Just spray one "shot" in each nostril and sniff inwardly 2 or 3 times immediately afterward. Really work it up into the massive sinus cavities all humans have.

You'll notice that most colds announce themselves with a sore throat... which is the mucuous tissue in the throat responding to the sinus drainage. In fact, if you'll look at the childs throat with a flashlight (excuse me, a "torch") you'll see red streaks running down it, which is the "trail" left by the virus and bacteria from the infected sinuses. Having said that, try to avoid using prescription antibiotic medication... for yourself as well as and especially children. The overuse of such medication, in my humble, non-medical trained opinion, primes the child for future infections. (Disclaimer: A doctor's opinion prevails, however)

Good luck... take an aspirin and plenty of water... both for you and the kids... Best of luck!

[Sqad]

Excellent post by Clanad.......to which i can only add a comment for my own satisfaction rather than for the OP.......sorry.

Ther are large nasal sinuses and very small nasal sinuses and until the early early 80's, surgeons throughout the world followed the maxim "treat the large sinuses and the little one's will look after themselves." Then a very smart and bright American surgeon turned this on it's head saying " treat the small sinuses and the large one's will look after themselves....madness!

But he was right and remained my hero all of my professional life....yes he was American but was educated in England ;-)

http://www.med.upenn.edu/apps/faculty/index.php/g329/p18996

[Eve]

I've got a humidifier (I tend to wrongly refer to it as a dehumidifier but it has a thing in the back you can put water in). I use it to cool my bedroom down getting to sleep and don't often put water in it but I use it loads and it wasn't too expensive.

Is there damp in the house anywhere, something like a leak. My friend was getting loads and she had a leak that was discovered and loads of moisture in the air (always has a very warm flat and rarely opens a window). I got her to get one of those little pound shop ones that give an indication and it soaked up loads of moisture really quickly. Once the leak was sorted she hasn't suffered as much. Could be a coincidence though.

Some kids will just get recurrent viruses and infections - I had ears ones over and over when I was little and my nephew has had similar with chest infections. Children seem to be harbingers of germs, especially in places like nursery.

One idea could be to prevent anything being sprayed around them as much as possible, perfume, air fresheners etc... and keep them away from smoke etc...

[divegirl]

Thank you all for your excellent answers!

I am constantly telling my sil that she needs to get out of the house more, barring the eldest going to school [so yes he is the one bringing in the infections]she barely leaves the house. I myself am a great believer in the 'wrapping them up and chucking them out' school of thought and I do think this would help.
It just drives me nuts that every few days they seem to have some new illness so I just wanted to help. She will be reading your advice shortly :0)

Lisa x

[TTG]

Keep doors open where possible allowing air to circulate. Make sure furniture not right against walls and corners of room clear. Wipe window ledges of moisture. Maybe open them slightly each morning...just an inch.

[woofgang]

Yup, air out the house and get the kids out in the fresh air (Sqad knows what i am going to say next) In the Uk there is a nasal spray called Sterimar which is filtered sea water and excellent stuff for soothing the nasal passages and flushing out the junk as well as moisturising the nasal passages. Its a bit dear, about six quid a pot but lasts ages and can be shared provided that you wipe the applicator or wash it well in hot water.

[woofgang]

Forgot to add my other pet beefs
Handwashing, if the kids are little them Mum must wash their hands till they can do it correctly
http://www.wash-hands.com/hand_hygiene_and_you/how_to_wash_your_hands
Keep the places your hands touch clean, doorknobs, toilet flushes and so on.

[bestdehumidifier]

A dehumidifier eliminates the moisture from the air. We should install in our house and especially use for in the rainy season.
http://bestdehumidifier.net/