"Is a Humidifier Safe for Managing Asthma Symptoms in Children?"

A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways and causes breathing difficulties. It can be triggered by various factors, such as allergens, infections, exercise, cold air, or stress. Asthma symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Children with asthma may have more frequent and severe symptoms than adults, and they may also experience more complications, such as missed school days, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of hospitalization. Therefore, it is important for parents and caregivers to help their children manage their asthma and prevent or reduce asthma attacks.

One of the ways to do this is to maintain a healthy indoor environment and avoid exposure to asthma triggers. This may involve using an air purifier, a dehumidifier, or a humidifier. A humidifier is a device that adds moisture to the air, which can help soothe dry or irritated airways and reduce coughing and congestion. However, humidifiers are not suitable for everyone and they may also have some drawbacks. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits and risks of using a humidifier for children with asthma, and provide some tips on how to use it safely and effectively.

Benefits of Using a Humidifier for Children with Asthma

A humidifier can be beneficial for children with asthma in several ways, such as:

It can help moisten the airways and thin the mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear the lungs.
It can help reduce inflammation and irritation in the airways, which can improve breathing and prevent bronchospasm.
It can help prevent or relieve dryness, soreness, and bleeding in the nose and throat, which can be caused by dry or cold air.
It can help create a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, which can reduce stress and anxiety, and promote better sleep quality.

However, not all types of humidifiers are equally effective for children with asthma. There are two main types of humidifiers: cool mist and warm mist. Cool mist humidifiers use a fan to blow air through a wet wick or filter, creating a fine mist of cool water vapor. Warm mist humidifiers use a heating element to boil water and release steam into the air. Both types of humidifiers can increase the humidity level in the room, but they have different advantages and disadvantages.

Cool Mist vs. Warm Mist Humidifiers

Cool mist humidifiers are generally preferred for children with asthma, because they are safer, quieter, and more energy-efficient than warm mist humidifiers. Cool mist humidifiers do not pose a risk of burns or scalds, which can happen if a child touches or knocks over a warm mist humidifier. They also do not increase the room temperature, which can be uncomfortable or harmful for children with asthma, especially during the summer. Cool mist humidifiers are also less noisy than warm mist humidifiers, which can help children sleep better at night. Additionally, cool mist humidifiers use less electricity than warm mist humidifiers, which can save money and reduce environmental impact.

However, cool mist humidifiers also have some drawbacks, such as:

They can harbor bacteria, mold, or fungi, which can grow in the water tank or the wick, and be dispersed into the air. This can worsen asthma symptoms or cause infections, especially if the humidifier is not cleaned and maintained regularly.
They can cause mineral dust, which is a fine white powder that forms when the water evaporates and leaves behind the minerals. This can irritate the airways, trigger allergies, or damage the humidifier. This can be prevented by using distilled or demineralized water, or by using a filter or a demineralization cartridge.
They can cause over-humidification, which is when the humidity level in the room is too high. This can create a damp and moldy environment, which can encourage the growth of dust mites, bacteria, and fungi. This can also make the air feel stuffy and uncomfortable, and reduce the effectiveness of the humidifier. This can be avoided by using a hygrometer to measure the humidity level, and by keeping it between 30% and 50%.

Warm mist humidifiers, on the other hand, have some advantages over cool mist humidifiers, such as:

They can kill bacteria, mold, or fungi, which are destroyed by the boiling process. This can reduce the risk of infections and improve the air quality.
They can add warmth to the air, which can be soothing and comforting for children with asthma, especially during the winter. They can also help reduce the risk of colds and flu, which can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms.
They can produce a finer and more visible mist, which can be more appealing and satisfying for children with asthma. They can also add aromatherapy oils or medications to the water, which can enhance the therapeutic effects of the humidifier.

However, warm mist humidifiers also have some disadvantages, such as:

They can pose a risk of burns or scalds, which can happen if a child touches or knocks over the humidifier. They can also cause fire hazards, if they are placed near flammable materials or left unattended.
They can increase the room temperature, which can be uncomfortable or harmful for children with asthma, especially during the summer. They can also cause dehydration, if the child does not drink enough fluids.
They can be noisy, which can disturb the child's sleep or concentration. They can also consume more electricity, which can increase the cost and the environmental impact.

How to Use a Humidifier Safely and Effectively for Children with Asthma

A humidifier can be a useful tool for children with asthma, but it should be used with caution and care. Here are some tips on how to use a humidifier safely and effectively for children with asthma:

Consult with your child's doctor before using a humidifier, and follow their recommendations on the type, frequency, and duration of use. Some children with asthma may benefit from using a humidifier, while others may not need it or may have adverse reactions to it.
Choose a humidifier that is suitable for your child's age, size, and needs. Look for a humidifier that has a certification mark from a reputable organization, such as the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) or the Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Read the instructions and warnings carefully, and follow them accordingly.
Place the humidifier in a safe and convenient location, away from the child's reach, bed, furniture, curtains, or electrical outlets. Make sure the humidifier is stable and secure, and that the cord is not tangled or exposed. Keep the humidifier at least 3 feet away from the child, to prevent direct inhalation of the mist or steam.
Use clean and fresh water for the humidifier, preferably distilled or demineralized water. Do not use tap water, which may contain minerals, chemicals, or contaminants that can irritate the airways or damage the humidifier. Do not add any substances to the water, such as salt, bleach, vinegar, or essential oils, unless they are approved by the manufacturer or the doctor.
Clean and disinfect the humidifier regularly, at least once a week, or more often if the water is cloudy or the humidifier is used frequently. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean and disinfect the humidifier, using the recommended products and methods. Rinse and dry the humidifier thoroughly, and store it in a cool and dry place when not in use.
Monitor the humidity level in the room, using a hygrometer or a built-in humidistat. Adjust the settings of the humidifier accordingly, to maintain a comfortable and healthy humidity level, between 30% and 50%. Do not over-humidify the room, as this can cause mold, dust mites, or respiratory problems.
Observe your child's response to the humidifier, and watch for any signs of improvement or worsening of their asthma symptoms. If the humidifier helps your child breathe easier, sleep better, and reduce their asthma attacks, continue using it as directed by the doctor. If the humidifier causes your child to cough more, wheeze more, or have more difficulty breathing, stop using it and contact the doctor.

Key Take Away

A humidifier can be a safe and effective way to manage asthma symptoms in children, if it is used properly and under the guidance of a doctor. A humidifier can help moisten the airways, reduce inflammation, prevent dryness, and create a relaxing environment for children with asthma. However, a humidifier can also have some risks, such as burns, infections, dust, or over-humidification, if it is not used correctly and carefully. Therefore, it is important to choose the right type of humidifier, to place it in a safe and convenient location, to use clean and fresh water, to clean and disinfect it regularly, to monitor the humidity level, and to observe the child's response to the humidifier. By following these tips, you can help your child enjoy the benefits of a humidifier, and avoid the potential drawbacks.

Source: Mayo Clinic. (2020, November 24). Humidifiers: Air moisture eases skin, breathing symptoms. [URL]