It can be very challenging to maintain the proper humidity levels when the air gets humid. High humidity levels can cause the body to sweat more than usual.
Due to the uncomfortable effects of high humidity, many people are reluctant to invest in a dehumidifier. Instead, they use a fan to remove the moisture from the air and return it to the room.
Although most people use dehumidifiers to help cool their homes, some people also benefit from them because of their use for treating asthma. In this article, we’ll talk about how to use a dehumidifier effectively and why it’s beneficial for people with respiratory conditions like COPD.
Table of Contents
Are Humidifiers Good for Asthma?
Humidifiers can ease the breathing symptoms like asthma by adding proper moisture to the room and removing the dryness that can open the nasal passages. It can also prevent respiratory problems like sinus, pneumonia, and throat infection. The ideal humidity level and a well-maintained humidifier can eliminate the risk of infections.
How Humidifiers Help Asthma Symptoms?
A humidifier is one of the best ways to keep the air in the house moist. It does so by providing a temperature that’s right for the respiratory system.
Having the proper humidity in the house can help prevent asthma attacks. Also, using humidifiers can help people manage their breathing problems. They can also relax and prevent their minds from drifting off when they suddenly feel like coughing.
A 2013 Cochrane Database study noted that mechanical dehumidifiers did not improve asthma control in patients.
According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, high temperatures and thick air can affect the breathing and overall health of people with respiratory conditions. It’s also important to maintain the proper humidity level to avoid experiencing the same conditions.
Due to the effects of humidity on asthma, a dehumidifier can be very useful for people with the condition. However, this device can also cause dry air to enter the lungs and worsen the symptoms of the illness.
Common Triggers of Asthma
There are many common Asthma triggers, which present themselves in different ways throughout the year.
- Allergies: Sadly, your furry friend might cause you harm on accident if you are allergic to them and have asthma.
- Upper respiratory infections: Many respiratory infections can trigger asthma symptoms. Aside from COVID-19, some viruses can also cause acid reflux.
- Exposure to irritants: Being exposed to irritants such as dust mites, cigarette smoke, and mold can trigger asthma flares.
- Cold air: Cold air can also cause inflamed airways to spasm. It can also contribute to the development of respiratory infections.
- Unexpected changes in temperature and humidity: Also, exposure to high temperatures can trigger asthma symptoms.Thunderstorms can also cause temperature changes and make the conditions inside the body feel uncomfortable.
Types Of Humidifiers
Due to the wide variety of humidifiers on the market, it is important that you choose the one that fits your needs and budget.
Steam Vaporizer
Once the most popular style of humidifier, the heated tank has been replaced by the ventilating model. This method works best for people who prefer a more humid environment.
Warm Mist Vaporizer
A warm mist humidifier is similar to a steam vaporizer. However, instead of producing steam, it cools it down to make it lighter. This type of humidifier is usually used for asthma patients.
Cool Mist Humidifier
The most common type of humidifier is the cool mist, which uses no heating element.
The effectiveness of each type depends on the environment in which they’re being used and the temperature of the air inside. Having the right size and type of humidifier is also important to ensure that they effectively distribute the moisture in the room.
Related: Are Humidifiers Good for You?
What Is The Best Humidifier For Asthmatics?
Warm mist humidifiers are the ideal type for asthma patients as they ease the strain of breathing.
Many doctors don’t recommend the use of dehumidifiers for patients with respiratory conditions like asthma due to their potential to make the air excessively dry.
Ideally, people should avoid using a dehumidifier unless their internal humidity levels are at least 40 percent. Although it’s possible to improve the conditions of asthma by reducing humidity, both factors can still have detrimental effects.
While a dehumidifier can help minimize the symptoms of an asthma attack, it should not be used in combination with other treatment methods for the condition.
Having a good asthma management plan is also important to help people with the condition. It’s also important to keep a regular check on the humidity levels in your home to see if they’re contributing to an attack or irritation.
Proper Maintenance
The only way that a humidifier can truly benefit an individual with respiratory conditions like asthma is if it is properly maintained. Doing so can prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and viruses.
Use Pure Water
It’s important to avoid storing your humidifier in water when it’s not in use. Also, make sure to thoroughly clean it before using it. Doing so can help prevent the unit from getting contaminated.
Keep It Clean
Some high-end humidifiers feature UV lights that can detect the presence of fungi and mold. This feature can also help prevent the spread of pathogens.
Having too much humidity can also have detrimental effects on the breathing of people with respiratory conditions like asthma. To determine the ideal humidity level, use a hygrometer or a humidistat. It’s important to avoid setting it too high, as this can lead to the development of fungi and mold.
A dehumidifier helps remove moisture from the air and return it to the room. This method effectively balances the humidity in the home.
Related: The Humidifier That Is Easy To Clean