You do everything you can to help you and your family members breathe easily. You clean your ventilation system regularly, vacuum daily, and run your air purifier around the clock. However, despite your hard work, everyone still experiences breathing difficulties. So you need to find another way to improve your home’s air.

One solution may involve humidifiers, which filter water vapor into your home. The vapor moistens and rejuvenates everything it touches, including the nasal passages and lungs. This effect makes humidifiers a great tool for people who suffer from the following conditions.

1. Common Cold

Whether the cold involves a running nose or a sore throat and cough, a humidifier can relieve symptoms. It moistens the mucus and affected tissues so they don’t feel dry, itchy, stretched, or sore. The extra humidity will also help you stay hydrated so you heal faster. However, a humidifier doesn’t replace the 64 ounces of water you have to drink daily for optimum hydration.

2. Sinusitis

Sinusitis occurs when prolonged congestion inflames your sinus tissues, leading to pain and swelling. However, if you add extra humidity to the air, the mucus in your sinuses will flow correctly, relieving pressure and leading to a faster recovery time.

3. Influenza

A humidifier could make the air more comfortable if you have the stomach flu, but it won’t necessarily speed your recovery very much. However, if you have the real flu, influenza, this device could help you a great deal. Influenza causes nasal congestion and a dry cough, as well as a high fever that could quickly dry you out. A humidifier mitigates all these symptoms.

4. Asthma

This chronic condition makes breathing difficult even if you don’t have an illness. If you or someone you love has this condition, dry air could cause an asthma attack. Keep the air comfortable and moist by adding a humidifying device to your HVAC system.

5. Chronic Headaches

Some people experience constant headaches because they become dehydrated or because their sinuses become inflamed. If you would like some relief, add a little extra humidity to your air. However, you should identify your headaches’ source first. If they don’t come from dehydration or similar problems, a humidifier might not help you.

6. Frequent Nosebleeds

Moist air will hydrate your nasal passages, keeping the skin supple and healthy. You will experience fewer nosebleeds as a result. However, if nosebleeds persist, you may have a more serious problem, so you should consult your doctor.

7. Frequent Rashes

If you have a lot of skin allergies and constantly treat rashes, a humidifier could help you feel more comfortable. Rashes often become dry in addition to itchy, which makes the itchiness worse. A humidifier prevents the dryness and relieves existing symptoms by subtly dampening the skin.

8. Eczema and Rosacea

A similar principle applies here. Eczema and rosacea are conditions that inflame the skin and make it itch. They also lead to dry skin as well. Control your symptoms by adding extra humidity to the air—but keep in mind that a humidifier can’t cure this condition. You should still consult with your doctor if you want a more lasting solution.

9. Psoriasis

Again, psoriasis leads to dry, itchy patches of skin. And with frequent scratching, these patches can become painful. Luckily, some added moisture should help you feel more comfortable.


A humidifier can help you control or overcome many different health conditions. If you think one of these devices could help you, talk to your local HVAC representative. He or she can help you find the right kind of humidifier for your family’s needs.