Central heating can worsen common health conditions, GP warns
As the nights get longer and the temperature starts to drop, you might be tempted to get fire up the central heating before you get cosy on the sofa for an evening of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. But – aside from being extortionate – know that doing so could exacerbate some health conditions.
Dr Neel Patel, Lloyds Pharmacy GP, has warned that central heating can be an issue for people with asthma, for example. 'Central heating can make the air inside our homes very dry,' Dr Patel told The Express. 'This can cause lung conditions like asthma to flare up'. Similarly, the dryness creating by central heating can lead to – or worsen – sinus infections, as it dries the mucus lining inside the nose. It may also cause itchy eyes and nosebleeds.
Those dealing with allergies might want to take note, too. Heating has a tendency to circulate dust, which can worsen the issue, Dr Patel continued.
Heating can also make cause dehydration. 'It is easy to become dehydrated when in a centrally heated environment all day,' warned Dr Patel. 'This can lead to headaches and even migraines if you’re prone to them.'
How do you prevent health conditions worsening?
Of course, when it gets cold enough, central heating becomes pretty much a necessity. If you deal with any of the conditions mentioned above, make sure you're well prepared with medicine – like allergy tablets or an asthma pup – to ease any symptoms.
Remember also to keep on top of your fluids as we move into the winter months; drinking plenty of water will reduce the risk of headaches. Dr Patel also suggests investing in a humidifier for your home to 'regulate the amount of water vapour in the air.' If your budget doesn't allow for this, 'placing a bowl of water near heaters should have the same effect,' he said.
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