Does high humidity affect asthma?
Rick Frea, registered respiratory therapist, cites the Asthma Educator's Handbook when he writes that high humidity by itself cannot trigger an asthma attack. However, high levels of humidity do make air harder to breathe and are related to other problems that can cause asthma attacks.
Scientific Findings
According to Health Guidance, negative ions exist in the air that aid in the process of breathing. However, as the levels of humidity increase, the level of negative ions decrease. Furthermore, if asthma patients choose to purchase a humidifier to soothe their symptoms, they should look for ones that do not generate negative ions, because they attach to the water molecules from the machine and create positive ions that stifle breathing.
Changes in the Environment
Higher levels of humidity cause higher levels of asthma-inducing agents. For example, when humidity levels go above 50%, the number of dust mites in the air increases. Furthermore, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology found that high levels of humidity also tend to promote the growth of fungus and molds. Asthmatics' symptoms are bothered and heightened by the presence of these two agents.
Oxygen Levels
In addition to pollutants in the air, Dr. Andrej Petrov, assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, says that heat increases the body's need for energy due to elevated metabolism and body temperature. Since the body needs more oxygen for energy, people who already have respiratory problems are more likely to experience labored breathing. Furthermore, the presence of humidity makes it harder for peoples' body temperatures to lower, again increasing the need for more oxygen.
Solutions
Air conditioners relieve some symptoms.
In past decades, doctors would often recommend that asthma patients move to dryer climates. However, nowadays, such dramatic changes are not necessary. Air-conditioning is an effective solution, as the American Lung Association notes that air conditioning keeps outdoor humidity at bay because the doors and windows are closed. Furthermore, irritants like pollen and mold spores stay outside. Another option is to purchase a dehumidifier.
Cautions
Making the air too dry is dangerous for asthmatics as well. Frea also notes that The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology reports that humidity levels under 15% can dry out the system and cause severe coughing in asthma sufferers. In addition to coughing, dry mucous membranes also cause people to become more likely to catch a cold or flu, other conditions which aggravate asthma symptoms.
Tags: levels humidity, negative ions, Academy Allergy, Academy Allergy Asthma, Allergy Asthma, Allergy Asthma Immunology, American Academy
