How a Humidifier Helps Winter Allergies
Did you know that the air in your home can be drier during the winter months? That’s because heating systems will often make it drier, causing your air quality to drop rapidly. These heating systems suck all of the moisture from your indoor air, causing your nose to feel stuffy and uncomfortable, also making it hard to breathe properly, especially if you suffer from winter allergies.
If you’re suffering from a nasty bout of winter allergies, a humidifier may be an excellent way to help get relief faster. Read on to learn how a humidifier helps winter allergies.
What is a Humidifier?
A humidifier is an electrical appliance or device which is used to increase the humidity in a single room or building. Humidifiers are excellent for treating a host of different issues caused by dry air, such as:
- skin irritation
- dry cough
- dry throat
- nose irritation
- sinus congestion
- cracked lips
One important thing to mention is that even though adding a humidifier can be very beneficial, it can also worsen your allergy symptoms. How, you may ask? Well, too much humidity can aggravate respiratory problems and create uncontrolled dampness throughout your house or room. Encouraging the growth of mildew, dust mites, mold, and bacteria.
Types of Humidifiers
The type of humidifier you have in your home truly matters when you are trying to combat those winter allergies. It can be difficult choosing the one for your need; therefore, we created a shortlist of the different types to help you find the perfect fit.
1. Warm vs. Cool Mist
When it comes to these humidifiers, their names say it all. Warm mist humidifiers produce a warm and soothing mist. These are great for helping to relieve symptoms caused by a cold or flu. The biggest downside is that these need to be cleaned more frequently due to the warm air, creating faster bacteria growth.
Cool mist humidifiers are also known as evaporative humidifiers. These are generally easier to clean and more effective in larger areas depending on the size of the machine. Some users mention that they are easier to breathe in compared to the warmer vapors.
2. Ultrasonic
An ultrasonic humidifier is an excellent alternative to warm and cool mist humidifiers. While having the option to use either warm or cool mist can be convenient, occasionally, owners prefer one type over the other. The ultrasonic humidifier does not require any filters, and it works quietly. All that is necessary for operation is water and electricity.
3. Steam Vapor
The steam vapor humidifiers operate similarly to a steam vapor inhaler that you might suggest to your doctor for temporary relief of congestion and inflammation. Instead of using medicated vapors, these humidifiers use plain water, and it is completely safe to breathe this moist air.
Keeping the air humid is essential year-round, even if it isn’t as severe during the summer months. Everyone suffers from allergies to some degree, and a humidifier can help with that immensely. When winter rolls around, using a humidifier prevents those sniffles you feel when a cold breeze or allergy flares up. As a bonus, a humidifier also helps those who suffer from asthma as well. By keeping those harmful allergens out of your breathing space, your lungs stay clear and healthy.
Even though a humidifier helps winter allergies, it might only be a temporary relief for those struggling throughout the season. If you feel that you can no longer find relief from your winter allergies, contact us at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates of Central Florida. Our doctors are ready to help you pinpoint the cause of your allergies and create an individualized treatment plan to help you get back to enjoying the winter season.