Humidifiers are great for adding moisture to the air and sucking out the dryness from the area. Hence, they are really good for different types of infections including acute bronchitis. In this study Homing Next found that it eases the suffering of the patient and boosts the recover as well. Before digging into how humidifiers help, we need to know about acute bronchitis.
What is Acute Bronchitis?
When the bronchial tubes are inflamed, it is commonly known as bronchitis. Bronchial tubes are the air passage that conveys the air to the lungs. Bronchitis can be of two types.
- Acute Bronchitis
- Chronic Bronchitis
Acute Bronchitis: When the vital airways that convey the air to people’s lungs get swollen and the tissues of the bronchial tube get inflamed, the patient is considered to have acute bronchitis. The inflammation contracts the tubes and as a result, the patient finds it difficult to breathe.
Usually, for normal bronchitis, it takes a few days to recover. The patient might have the cough for a few weeks even after they are cured of the infection. If the patient has acute bronchitis, it might take more than the usual time.
Chronic Bronchitis: It is long-term and takes more than 3 months to cure.
Causes of Acute Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is very common after the flu or cold. Bronchitis is a viral infection that affects the throat, sinus and nose. After attacking these three areas it spreads to the bronchial tubes and hinders the functions of the airways. Usually, the virus that causes acute bronchitis is no different from the viruses that cause flu and cold. The virus is quite contagious and spreads via wind. When the patient with acute bronchitis coughs or sneezes, the virus spreads out through the air. Along with this, acute bronchitis can happen if a person is exposed to the following:
- Smoke
- Air pollution
- Vapor
- Dust
- Fume
Other than these, bacteria can also attack the air tubes which usually happens to people who have COPD.
Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis
In order to treat acute bronchitis, one must acknowledge the symptoms first. These symptoms are:
- Discomfort around the chest area
- Cough with mucus
- Low fever
- Shortness of Breath
- Fatigue
- Wheezing like asthma patients
A patient can have a cough for around four weeks even after bronchitis is cured.
Bronchitis and pneumonia have similar symptoms, people always find it hard to recognize. The difference is, pneumonia always comes with a high fever.
Patient with acute bronchitis needs rest and drink a lot of fluid. Along with the prescribed medicines, a humidifier can help a lot when it comes to treating acute bronchitis.
How Humidifiers deal with these symptoms?
Anything starting from infection in the respiratory system to nasal congestion, well-functional humidifiers can make you feel better by easing your breathing issues. When we have acute bronchitis, it becomes difficult to breathe, especially during the nighttime when we are trying our best to fall asleep. Our noses get clogged up; our throats become sore. You’ll be surprised to know that a humidifier can solve all these issues.
When the air surrounding you gets dry, it becomes hard for the patient to blow out the mucus covering the nasal area. A humidifier adds moisture to the air which takes away the dryness and makes it easier for us to breathe. In the summer when you are in an air-conditioned room, the air circulated tends to be drier as the air conditioner takes away the moisture and produces dry cold air. It can even worsen your situation. A humidifier can become your best friend during this season.
A humidifier is beneficial for several reasons
Deactivates the virus: The virus that causes flu and cold is responsible for causing influenza and acute bronchitis. This virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If the level of humidity in that area is above 40%, the particles of the virus quickly get deactivated. As a result, the virus cannot spread or infect anyone. A humidifier is meant for increasing the humidity level of the air.
Clears sputum: One of the severe and painful symptoms of acute bronchitis is coughing. Usually, it takes several weeks to get rid of the coughing. A humidifier adds moisture to the air which leads towards a moist bronchial tube. Hence, your cough becomes more productive. Thus, a humidifier helps to clear the sputum.
Lubricates the airways: When the air surrounding is moist, your airways get lubricated. As a result, your breathing becomes clear. During acute bronchitis, it becomes hard to sleep because of breathing issues. A humidifier can help you with your breathing issues. Another great thing is, a humidifier helps to reduce snoring. When the air is dry, our airways also get dry. This can lead to snoring. As humidifiers lubricate the airways, the air passes smoothly and the snoring automatically goes away.
Moisturizes the skin and hair: When we have a cold, our skin automatically dries up. Our body gets dehydrated when we are sick. That’s why some of the patients end up having flaky skin and chapped lips when they are suffering from acute bronchitis. A humidifier does not only add moisture to your room, it also moisturizes your skin and leaves you with a warm feeling.
Supplies oxygen: This might surprise you but it is true. A humidifier indirectly supplies oxygen and this is how it does: if you have any indoor plant that is suffering to thrive, a humidifier can nourish your plants by adding the moisture that it needs. Once the plant is healthy, it will provide you oxygen. Hence, a humidifier helps to increase the level of oxygen.
Tips while using a humidifier: A humidifier can be harmful if it is not used properly. Here are some things that you need to keep on checking while using a humidifier:
- Check the level of humidity
- Before using make sure the humidifier is clean
- Change the water frequently
- Change the filters when needed
- Use purified water that is free from minerals
- Keep the humidifier in an open place
Bottom Line
These tips will help you get the best out of your humidifier. A humidifier will make you feel better if you have flu or acute bronchitis. But it can’t cure your infection. So, if you are suffering from any infection, make sure you consult your doctor as soon as possible.