Does dry air cause health problems?

Air that is too dry can cause or exacerbate health issues for seniors and those with lung conditions such as COPD, including but not limited to: itchy, dry, or chapped skin; nose bleeds; a scratchy throat; dry eyes; aggravated asthma, allergy, and cold/flu symptoms; and more.

What are the benefits of a humidifier for seniors?

Humidifiers, when used properly, can help maintain the perfect level of moisture in the air (between 30-50%). For individuals with a chronic lung disease, humidifiers can foster eased breathing, reduce irritation of nasal passages, and effectively expel phlegm in coughing. Furthermore, using a humidifier overnight can reduce congestion and snoring; help minimize the amount of allergens, viruses and bacteria in the air; and soothe a scratchy scalp.

What are the different types of humidifiers?

Central humidifiers are the most costly option. They are built within a home's central air conditioning/heating unit and benefits the entire home instead of one room. Impeller humidifiers is the safer alternative which utilizes a cool mist; however, it can trigger allergic or asthmatic problems if overused. Evaporators is the affordable choice which blows air through a dampened filter, but can be problematic if allowed to add an excessive amount of moisture into the air. Ultrasonic humidifiers are offered in a range of sizes and use vibrations to produce mist in either a cool or warm option. Steam vaporizers, the most affordable and portable option, heats and cools before discharging into the air.

Senior COPD Patients | Benefits of a Humidifier

November 19, 2020

Humidifiers provide a variety of benefits for senior COPD patients.

For seniors and those with lung conditions such as COPD, maintaining the ideal air quality in the house is crucial. Air that is too dry, for instance, can cause or exacerbate health issues such as:

Itchy, dry, or chapped skin
Nose bleeds
A scratchy throat
Dry eyes
Aggravated asthma, allergy, and cold/flu symptoms for example, congestion
And more

Yet air that’s too humid can cause mold and mildew to grow, which can cause a host of health issues in addition to damage to the home.

Humidifiers, when used properly, can help maintain the perfect level of moisture in the air (between 30 – 50%), and particularly for individuals with a chronic lung disease, can foster eased breathing, reduced irritation of nasal passages, and the ability to more effectively expel phlegm in coughing.

Furthermore, using a humidifier overnight can reduce congestion and snoring, help minimize the amount of any allergens, viruses and bacteria in the air, even soothe a scratchy scalp. Again, use caution to ensure the level of humidity doesn’t surpass the optimal range, which could result in disrupted sleep patterns.

There are various kinds of humidifiers to choose from:

Central humidifiers, which are built within the house’s central air conditioning/heating unit; the most costly option, but one that benefits the whole home rather than just one room
Impeller humidifiers, utilizing a cool mist, which is a safer alternative since it cannot cause burns; it may, however, trigger allergic or asthmatic problems if overused
Evaporators, blowing air through a dampened filter; an affordable choice, but can be problematic if allowed to add an excessive amount of moisture into the air
Ultrasonic humidifiers, using vibrations to produce mist in either a cool or warm option; offered in a range of sizes
Steam vaporizers, which are typically the most affordable and most portable option; water is heated and then cooled before being discharged into the air

Speak with a physician about the benefits of a humidifier in your senior loved one’s specific circumstances, and which kind is recommended.

Continuum is here to help individuals with chronic health conditions like COPD, or simply just the difficulties inherent in normal aging, through an array of home care services. Reach out to us at (314) 863-9912 to see how we can help you breathe easier with trusted home care in Des Peres, MO and the surrounding communities.