1. Humidifiers Tackle the Coughs
Using a humidifier for a cough can be extremely helpful as it soothes the cough, so you can rest. Coughs are associated with bronchitis, colds with chest congestion and asthma. The coughing can be worse when the air is very dry. The humidifier helps put moisture back in the air. The moisture soothes a dry throat cough and adds moisture to break up congestion that may be causing the cough.
2. Warm Mist Humidifiers Will Steam Away the Cough
A warm mist humidifier or a vaporizer heats the water and releases a warm mist through the room. The warm mist is the next best thing to a hot steamy shower to moisturize the nasal passages and soothe the cough. The advantage to a warm mist humidifier is that you can add medications, so the warm mist emits a medicated vapor to help ease the cough. The disadvantage is that the warm mist humidifier can be a bit dangerous. The mist can burn if a hand or face is directly over the mist outlet.
3. Cool Off a Cough With a Cool Mist Humidifier
Doctors usually recommend a cool mist humidifier for treating coughs in children. It is a safer option than the warm mist humidifier. The cool mist humidifier releases a cool mist into the room air, without the danger of burns. It should be set up so the cool mist can flow into the air without obstruction. For the most cough relief, the mist should be able to flow up and in the direction of the person with the cough. Keep the room door closed so the moisture or mist from the humidifier is able to build up.
4. If You Use It, Clean It
Keep the humidifier clean and fresh. Just refilling the water reservoir tank with fresh water isn't considered to be properly cleaned. Unplug the humidifier and wipe down all the surfaces under the water tank with a disinfecting wipe. Change the filter weekly if the humidifier is used both night and day. Clean out the water tank, use distilled water and a water cleaning treatment each time you refill the tank. The treatment runs through the tank into the unit helping to keep your humidifier as clean as possible. Keeping it clean will prevent bacteria growing or mildew forming, which would create a non-healthy environment.
5. Team Up Fluids and the Humidifier
Use the type of humidifier that your doctor recommends for your particular cough. Follow the directions that the manufacturer recommends for using the humidifier you purchase. Help the humidifier help you by drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated. Fluids along with the use of the humidifier will speed up the process of easing your cough.
