As the weather turns colder and the air becomes less humid, it is smart to consider using humidifiers for COPD sufferers. For seniors with lung conditions such as COPD, maintaining the ideal air quality in the home is extremely important. Air that is too dry, for example, can cause or exacerbate health issues such as:
- Itchy, dry, or chapped skin
- Nose bleeds
- Throat pain
- Dry eyes
- Aggravated asthma, allergy, and flu/cold symptoms like congestion
- And more
Nevertheless, air that is too humid can cause mildew and mold to grow, which can result in a host of health issues along with damage to the house.
Humidifiers, when used properly, can help maintain an ideal quantity of moisture in the air (between 30 – 50%), and especially for anyone with a chronic lung disease, can foster reduced irritation of nasal passages, eased breathing, and the ability to more effectively expel phlegm in coughing.
Furthermore, using a humidifier overnight can decrease congestion and snoring, help lessen the amount of any allergens, viruses and bacteria in the air, and even relieve an itchy scalp. Again, use caution to ensure the amount of humidity doesn’t exceed the optimal range, which could bring about disrupted sleep patterns.
There are several various kinds of humidifiers to choose from:
- Central humidifiers, which are built within the home’s central air conditioning/heating unit; the most expensive option, but one that benefits the whole house rather than only one room
- Impeller humidifiers, utilizing a cool mist, which is a safer alternative since it can’t cause burns; it can, 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 too much moisture into the air
- Ultrasonic humidifiers, using vibrations to create mist either in a cool or warm option; offered in a number of sizes
- Steam vaporizers, which are typically the most affordable and most portable option; water is heated and then cooled prior to being discharged into the air
Speak to a doctor about the advantages of a humidifier in your senior loved one’s specific circumstances, and about which kind is preferred.
Independence-4-Seniors Home Care is here to assist individuals with chronic health conditions like COPD, or simply just the difficulties inherent in normal aging, through an array of home care services. Give us a call at (630) 323-4665 to discover how we can help you breathe easier with dependable in-home elder care in Hinsdale and throughout Western Cook and DuPage counties.