Choosing the Best Humidifier for Your Situation Because adding moisture to the air helps with cases of both dry and wet coughing, it’s a good idea to purchase a humidifier – particularly if you or members of your family tend to get sick often. People suffering from Asthma and allergies need to be in ideal environmental conditions. While humidifiers can definitely be helpful to asthma sufferers, it needs to be stated that they can also be very detrimental if they’re not used properly or cleaned regularly. Humidifiers Improve Feline Asthma Cats also suffer from asthma. Humidifiers work by forcing an invisible mist of water into the air you breathe. But did you know that a high-quality humidifier can also be … As long as those potential issues are addressed, a humidifier can lessen the severity of asthma symptoms and make breathing much easier for everybody. You don’t need to run out and buy a specific type of cleaner for this – chemical disinfectants can actually leave behind a residue that’s harmful to breathe in once they’re aerosolized by the humidifier, reports Markham Heid of TIME. Cleaning your humidifier with bleach or products that contain harsh chemicals can also cause irritation to your lungs and airways. You also need to keep your humidifier clean and the water fresh. Too much humidity and allergens such as dust mites and mold may escalate, triggering allergic reactions or asthma attacks. Can Humidifier help with COPD, Asthma or other Lung Problems? Emptying the tank and drying all surfaces of the humidifier daily is one way to safely keep it clean. For the humidifier to actually benefit an asthmatic or allergy suffering individual, it must be properly maintained. By keeping the humidity at the proper level, you will soon be able to breathe more easily in the comfort of your own home. Humidifiers can be bad for asthma. Otherwise, it will become a growing ground for bacteria, viruses, and even mold. For people who suffer from asthma, this can be particularly bad, as molds and dust tend to be major triggers. It often depends on the specific individual and their asthma triggers. If you live in a dry climate year-round, not enough moisture in the air may be a constant fact of life. In addition to taking your prescriptions, these tips may help you to better manage asthma: Asthma can adversely affect your quality of life but medical interventions can help significantly. In addition, a humidifier can loosen any mucus in the throat or chest, which can make existing asthma symptoms worse. Using a dehumidifier can help bring the humidity down in an overly humid home. Yet many humidifiers also create an optimum environment for mold spores, bacteria and dust mites to form, and these are common asthma triggers. People usually buy a humidifier as a way to counter dry air in their home or to make breathing easier for people who are sick with an illness that affects their respiratory system. Features to look for in a dehumidifier include: If you need a large model, the Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 70 Pint removes 70 pints of water daily. Keeping the air at the right humidity level may help reduce asthma symptoms. Here’s what you should know about this postpartum symptom. Identify and avoid asthma triggers, such as pollen, animal dander, and dust mites. Using a humidifier may make it easier for you to breathe in some instances but may also make a respiratory infection worse if you have asthma or an allergy to mold or dust mites. Here's how and whom it may help, as well as how it works and precautions to consider before…, Researchers in Sweden have been studying a new type of mind-controlled prosthetic arm that could drastically improve the lives of people who’ve lost a…. Knowtheflo is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Extreme weather conditions like sudden weather changes, cold dry air, and excess humidity can cause bad flare-ups. Large units can remove up to 70 pints. These may include: Many people don’t know they have asthma until they have an asthma attack. Again, it’s important to mention that while a humidifier can relieve some nasal irritation, if not maintained properly, a humidifier can even increase the risk of allergies and asthma, because it can develop mold and introduce those mold spores into the air, potentially triggering an asthma … Every humidifier comes with a recommended coverage area, which is measured in square feet. Air pollutants such as smoke, chemical fumes, or strong odors can bring on an attack in someone with asthma. However, a humidifier can also make asthma symptoms worse if it’s not cleaned and maintained properly or promotes the growth of organisms that the person is allergic to. Here are 10 of the best keto protein bars. Cleaning your humidifier with products containing chemicals or bleach may also be irritating to the respiratory system. Honeywell HCM350B Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier, The Future of Prosthetics Might Be in This Mind-Controlled Bionic Arm, The Top 10 Pre-Workout Supplements for Muscle Gain, 7 Natural Treatments for Postpartum Swelling, Causes and Treatments for Postpartum Night Sweats, Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Reflections of Blackness: How to Curate a Space That Affirms Your Humanity. Learn more. There isn't much research evidence about how effective they are. If you or your child has asthma and you wish to use a humidifier: Humidifiers and dehumidifiers range in price and in specifications. A humidifier can definitely be beneficial in that regard, as it levels the levels of humidity and makes the air easier to breathe. An automatic output control feature helps you maintain the best humidity level for your home. This happens when you use cheap humidifiers that don’t filter the air and also it can be made worse by a lack of maintenance and using unclean water. Common belief dictates that they are; however, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any drawbacks. Allergens, chemicals and strong scents are common triggers for the almost 25 million Americans with asthma. The only way that a humidifier can benefit an asthmatic individual is if it is properly maintained. Change the filter weekly, or as often as is recommended by the manufacturer. Humidifiers can also create an environment better for mold and dust mites, which can trigger asthma. Some people with asthma tell us that humidifiers and dehumidifiers help with their asthma symptoms, but once again only if used alongside other methods. Be thorough in your cleaning in order to ensure that any mould and bacteria that has been growing in the humidifier is removed. Dehumidifiers come in several sizes. One negative is the unit is heavy, weighing around 47 pounds. If you have asthma, your home’s humidity level can affect your health. Is Using a Humidifier Worth the Risks? It can help you regulate the humidity in your home but must be regulated and well-maintained or it may make asthma symptoms worse. Instead, just use simple dish soap and warm water. Cold weather can make the air feel dry but on the flip side, sticky air can ... Why Humidifiers Are Great (And Bad) For Asthma Essential oils for breathing difficulties and respiratory congestion are used for decades. When it comes to health, living in a humid environment tends to create problems in those with asthma because humid air activates nerves in our lungs that narrow and tighten. If you already have mold in your home, a dehumidifier won’t remove it. Make sure it’s cleaned every 1 to 3 days and is free of mineralized crusts. All rights reserved. If you have asthma, your doctor has probably prescribed controller and rescue medications for you. Should that happen, the airways narrow, leading to a decrease in the air that’s actually reaching the lungs. Yes, it can be argued that humidifiers are good for asthma if the moisture content in the air is too low. This is due to the fact that it helps in reducing the inflammation of the airways caused by asthma and allergies. In both instances, a humidifier can help you maintain just the right amount of indoor humidity. In general, indoor humidity levels that range from 30 to 50 percent may be best for those with asthma. People often complain about difficulty breathing in humid weather. For people with asthma, this can make the air less irritating and easier to breathe. Medically reviewed by Marc Meth, MD, FACAAI, FAAAI A humidifier may help asthma symptoms in certain situations, but can also exacerbate symptoms if … A dirty humidifier can harbor bacteria and fungi, which they release into the air. Asthma sufferers will know that sometimes the air can be a little difficult to breathe in. Before we answer this question let us know how humidity does affect your airways and lung condition! Dryness and humidity By adding moisture to the air, humidifiers may be beneficial for several medical conditions. As the staff at the Mayo Clinic explain, the air that’s too dry can also have a negative impact on people with asthma, as it irritates the airways and can lead to the appearance of (or worsening) of symptoms. The cool, moist mist humidifies the air to keep skin and tissue hydrated. Details: It also has a microbial filter that traps minerals. Common times for extreme weather are during summer when humidity is high, and during winter when the air is extra dry. digital readout or other easy-to-access function so you can monitor your home’s humidity level, automatic shutoff valve or other safety controls that help prevent overheating or water overflow. It can, however, reduce or eliminate additional mold growth. Humidifiers can also make asthma worse if they’re not cleaned regularly or properly. Bad weather, temperature, altitude, and humidity are some of these. If your humidifier is cranked up so high that it’s surrounded by a scrim of wetness, that’s bad. Things such as Caffeinated tea, mustard oil, eucalyptus oil and Tumeric have been known to help asthma sufferers in various ways. If you do decide to use a humidifier, here are a few things to know first: Humidity and dampness can occur in any type of climate, from hot to cold. Most of us have childhood memories of our mother setting up a humidifier next to our bed at night when we had a bad cold or even the flu. As anybody who suffers from asthma knows, it’s important to be able to manage and relieve the symptoms. If the reverse is true and you live in a damp environment, a dehumidifier may help make the air more comfortable to breathe. We live in rented property and don't have double glazing and our landlord refuses to pay to have it done so our windows become heavily condensates during the winter months. A humidifier is used in the presence of occupants who come directly in contact with these impurities. This humidity level is also usually comfortable for most people. The body is surrounded by a water tank. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Very humid air is also heavy, which may make it harder to breathe. Knowtheflo.com also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. It can be confusing trying to decide which, if any, you need. When you notice your furry pets are coughing, it could be the first sign of asthma. Breathing in humid air activates nerves in your lungs that narrow and tighten your airways. You should be able to find a humidifier for you, no matter if you’re looking for 400 square feet of coverage or 4,000. Too little humidity and your nose and throat can become dry and irritated, making colds worse and asthma harder to control. This includes sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and savory tastes. It’s quiet and easy to clean. Small units typically remove around 30 pints of water a day. There are several other things to take into account, and one of those is achieving the right level of humidity. Humidifier Type vs. Coverage Area The first step in buying a new humidifier for asthma treatment is considering the size of the space. 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