Pneumonia is an infection causing inflammation in the air sacs of one or both lungs, often leading to them filling with fluid or pus. This response to bacterial, viral, or fungal infection results in symptoms like coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing. Using a humidifier is not a cure or treatment for the underlying infection. Instead, it serves as a supportive measure to relieve respiratory symptoms and increase comfort during recovery.
How Humidity Affects Airways
The respiratory tract, from the nose down to the bronchial tubes, is lined with mucous membranes that rely on moisture for proper function. When the air is too dry, typically below 40% relative humidity, these membranes can become irritated and dehydrated. This dryness compromises the respiratory system’s natural defense mechanism, known as mucociliary clearance.
The mucociliary system involves tiny, hair-like projections called cilia that constantly move a layer of mucus to trap and transport foreign particles and pathogens out of the lungs. Low humidity thickens the mucus and impairs the beating action of the cilia, making it difficult to clear secretions from the airways. Introducing moisture into the air helps to maintain the fluidity and volume of the mucus.
Optimal humidity, generally maintained between 40% and 60%, aids in rehydrating the respiratory epithelium. This restoration of moisture helps to soothe the irritated lining of the trachea and bronchi. By thinning thick secretions, humidified air effectively supports the cilia in their function. Enhancing this clearance process helps reduce irritation and expel the byproducts of the lung infection.
Alleviating Pneumonia Symptoms with Moisture
Humidification directly targets uncomfortable symptoms associated with pneumonia, particularly those involving mucus and cough. The inflammation often results in the production of thick, tenacious mucus that is difficult to cough up. Adding moisture to the air helps dilute these secretions, making it easier to expectorate and clear the airways.
This thinning effect is helpful with a deep, productive cough, which is often exhausting and painful due to chest discomfort. By reducing the stickiness of the phlegm, the humidifier makes coughing spells more effective and less strenuous. Humidified air also soothes the throat and nasal passages, which may be dry and inflamed from constant coughing.
For the best supportive effect, the humidifier should be placed near the patient, typically within a few feet of the bed, to ensure localized air is adequately moistened. It should not be so close that the patient’s skin or bedding becomes damp. Continuous use is generally not necessary; instead, run it primarily during periods of rest, such as overnight or daytime naps. Remember that this supportive care must be used alongside prescribed medical treatment, such as antibiotics or antivirals, which target the infection itself.
Maintaining Humidifier Safety and Hygiene
The appliance can pose a risk if not maintained correctly, potentially worsening a lung infection by aerosolizing harmful contaminants. Humidifiers must be cleaned daily to prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria that thrive in standing water. When these microorganisms are dispersed, they can be inhaled, which is especially problematic for someone with compromised lung function.
Use distilled or demineralized water rather than tap water in the device. Tap water contains minerals that, when aerosolized, can be released as a fine white dust that irritates the lungs. Never add essential oils, medications, or cleaning chemicals to the reservoir, as these substances can be inhaled and cause further irritation or damage to delicate lung tissues.
Cool-mist humidifiers are generally preferred, especially in households with children, as they eliminate the scalding risk associated with warm-mist devices. While warm-mist units use heat to sterilize the water, cool-mist types require more rigorous cleaning because they lack the boiling mechanism to inhibit germ growth. Maintain the room’s relative humidity below 50% to prevent condensation on surfaces, which encourages the growth of household allergens like mold and dust mites.