How Humidifiers Help with Pneumonia
In honor of World Pneumonia Day, we’re spreading awareness about the benefits of healthy humidity.
Humidifiers are a common household appliance, most often used to create a general atmosphere of wellness for plants, pets, and people alike. Many users also use humidifiers to alleviate unpleasant cold and flu-like symptoms in the winter, including congestion, sore throats, and dry skin. It is less common, but equally effective, to use humidifiers to ease the effects of pneumonia and help with recovery. Here on World Pneumonia Day, we wanted to take the opportunity to spread awareness about the condition and pass along information about the benefits of a humidifier.
What is World Pneumonia Day?
World Pneumonia Day was first created on November 12, 2009 and is observed annually by health organizations around the world in an effort to reduce the number of cases each year. Pneumonia affects over 155 million children a year, killing 1.6 million kids on average. It is also life-threatening among adults over 65 years of age. Over the last 2 years, the Covid-19 epidemic has further illuminated how dangerous Pneumonia can be. Pneumonia is an infection caused by bacteria, fungus, or viruses that causes the lungs to fill up with fluid. This makes breathing considerably more difficult for patients, while also causing fevers, chills, and coughing. Though not always contagious, airborne respiratory droplets can be spread by coughing and sneezing.
How Can You Help?
November 12th is an excellent day to learn more about how Pneumonia can be prevented. Countless groups take the opportunity to spread helpful information about the disease and how it can be treated or avoided entirely. Awareness is an important first step. You can educate your children, elderly family members, and people in your community. Stop Pneumonia (www.stoppneumonia.org) offers great resources that can easily be shared with friends and loved ones. From there, you can also give charitably to health organizations like UNICEF, which provides aid to children in need of medical attention around the world.
How Can a Humidifier Help?
While humidifiers do not prevent pneumonia, they can significantly ease symptoms like coughing and clear nasal passages to promote easy breathing. This in turn will also help improve rest, which is incredibly important for recovery. Stanford Children’s Health recommends humidifiers as form of treatment for pneumonia1. However, don’t let the humidifier be your only source of moisture, make sure to drink plenty of fluids as well. If you or your child contract pneumonia, it is important to see a doctor for an official diagnosis. In some cases, the infection can be treated with antibiotics and other forms of treatment.
What to Look For
The most important feature to look for in a humidifier is cool mist. This feature will offer the greatest comfort and can quicken the process of recovery. It is also important to invest in a quality humidifier with wide coverage and powerful mist. Other features like smart control and voice command can offer convenient support if you are bedridden. If you do use a humidifier to ease the symptoms of pneumonia, it is vitally important that you keep the humidifier clean. If bacteria is allowed to grow within the appliance, it can worsen the infection.