Have you heard of humidifier lung?

Winters here can be super dry (especially once heaters are running full blast), and I think many of us turn to humidifiers to ease sore throats, dry sinuses, chapped lips, or even to help with asthma and other breathing issues. I read an article this week though that saw humidifiers posing a health issue themselves, in what has been named "humidifier lung".

Also known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, humidifier lung is an inflammatory lung condition caused by breathing in microorganisms that grow in poorly maintained humidifiers, since standing water can harbor bacteria, fungi, and other microbes. When they're released into the air, they can trigger symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, fever, chest tightness, fatigue, chills, and muscle aches. Symptoms may appear within hours, or develop gradually with long term exposure.

In more serious cases, ongoing exposure can lead to chronic lung problems, including scarring and high blood pressure in the lungs. Treatment starts with removing the contaminated humidifier, and some people may need medication such as oral steroids.

I thought it might be interesting info for any of you who are using humidifiers this winter.