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By Mayo Clinic Staff

Dry indoor air can irritate sinuses and cause bloody noses and cracked lips. Using a humidifier can soothe these common concerns. A cool-mist humidifier also can ease a stuffy nose by adding moisture to the air.

But humidifiers can make you sick if they aren't maintained or if humidity levels stay too high. If you use a humidifier, check the humidity levels in the room where it is used and keep the humidifier clean. Mold or bacteria can grow in dirty humidifiers. If you have allergies or asthma, talk to a healthcare professional before using a humidifier.