At what temperature does airway humidification cause airway burns?

Under normal circumstances, airway humidification temperatures exceeding 41°C may cause airway burns; a range of 37–39°C is considered safe, and excessively high temperatures can easily damage the mucous membranes. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

When the humidification temperature is between 41°C and 45°C, mild burns to the airway mucosa may occur, manifesting as symptoms such as sore throat, dryness, and worsened coughing. Although this temperature range does not typically cause severe tissue damage, it can disrupt the mucosal barrier and increase the risk of infection, with more pronounced effects in individuals with sensitive respiratory tracts.

If the humidification temperature exceeds 45°C, it may directly lead to severe burns of the airway mucosa, resulting in mucosal congestion, edema, and erosion. This can also trigger serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing and hemoptysis (coughing up blood). High-temperature humidity rapidly damages epithelial cells of the mucosa and may even impair the airway's normal defense mechanisms, posing a threat to respiratory safety.

Temperature must be strictly controlled when using airway humidification devices. Devices with built-in temperature stabilization functions are preferred. Regular calibration of temperature settings is essential to prevent abnormal temperatures due to equipment malfunction. If symptoms such as throat discomfort or increased coughing occur during use, discontinue use immediately and check the temperature. Seek timely medical care if symptoms persist or fail to improve.