How to Use a Humidifier for Sinus the Right Way

When the air you breathe is too dry, the mucus in your nose and sinuses won’t flow properly and your sinuses won’t drain as well as they should. Congestion can then lead to sinus pain and sinusitis. Sinusitis experts agree that adding humidity to the air with a humidifier is generally good for sinus health.

“Humidifiers can help nasal congestion in that they provide for more moisture and humidity within the nose,” says Mark A. Zacharek, MD, residency program director for the department of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. “The nose is supposed to provide humidity and warmth and and clean the air that passes through it. Forced heating systems in homes and workplaces often over-dry the nasal passages, aggravating allergies and sinusitis.”

“Humidified air is good for sinusitis, especially in the winter,” agrees Amber Luong, MD, PhD, assistant professor of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. “Think of the mucus in your nose and sinuses as being like tears. If your tears were thick and sticky, they would not be able to flow from your eyes.”

Choosing a Humidifier or a Vaporizer for Sinusitis

Humidifiers and vaporizers are commonly used in people’s homes to get more moisture into the air and to counteract dryness in the nose and sinuses. Both humidifiers and vaporizers run on electricity, and portable humidifiers and vaporizers can easily be moved from room to room.

Central humidifiers are built into a home or office air-conditioning system. Here are some of the choices available:

• Ultrasonic humidifiers send a cool mist into the air using ultrasonic vibrations.
• Impeller humidifiers disperse a cool mist through a rapidly rotating disc.
• Evaporative humidifiers blow cool air into the atmosphere by using a fan to force air through a moist filter.
• The term “vaporizer” generally refers to units that use heat to create boiling water. The steam then vaporizes directly into the surrounding air. A warm-mist humidifier is a type of vaporizer that cools the hot steam before it goes into the room air.

Humidifiers and Vaporizers: Pros and Cons

Some experts are concerned that room humidifiers and vaporizers may create too much moisture in the air if they are not used cautiously, notes Dr. Zacharek. “Too much moisture may breed certain mold and fungi inside the house, which may further aggravate sinusitis or asthma conditions,” Zacharek says. Here are some precautions to take when using a vaporizer or a humidifier:

• “Vaporizers that use steam may be dangerous for young children, who can accidentally burn themselves,” warns Dr. Luong. Keep steam vaporizers out of children’s reach.
• Excess moisture can encourage an increase in the number of dust mites in your home, which are a common cause of allergies. Don’t let indoor humidity get above 50 percent.
• Tap water contains minerals that can be dispersed into the air by a humidifier. Government agencies have not concluded that these minerals pose a serious health risk, but they do recommend using distilled water in your humidifier.
• Only use a humidifier or vaporizer when you need it, and use the correct moisture settings.
• For portable humidifier units, empty the water tank, wipe all surfaces dry, and refill the water tank daily, so that bacteria and mold are less likely to grow in the water. If the water used in a cool mist humidifier contains bacteria or mold, these can be breathed in when the water is dispersed into the atmosphere.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your unit. Humidifiers and vaporizers should be cleaned every third day.
• Check to make sure that carpets, drapes, bedding, and walls are not becoming damp from too much moisture.

The bottom line: “The benefits of using a humidifier or vaporizer outweigh the risks if you use them correctly,” says Luong. Cool mist humidifiers may be better if you have small children because of the risk from accidental steam burns. Both will help wash away allergens, irritants, viruses, and bacteria.”

Zacharek adds that the ideal level of humidity in a home is 35 to 40 percent — and you can measure humidity with a humidity gauge, which can be purchased at a hardware store or pharmacy. “Used correctly, vaporizers and humidifiers are equally effective,” he says.

Both humidifiers and vaporizers can get moisture into your nose and sinuses when they get dried out. The key to using humidity as part of your sinus treatment is to use your equipment properly and keep it safe and clean.

Find more information in the Everyday Health Ear, Nose, and Throat Center.

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Humidifier for Sinus Problems: What Works Best?

A humidifier can moisten the air in your indoor environment, easing the symptoms of sinusitis, like a stuffy nose, dry throat, and congestion.

According to experts, the key to getting the most benefits from a humidifier is to keep it clean and to use it properly.

In this article, we’ll look at what to keep in mind if you’re thinking of using a humidifier to help clear up your sinus issues.

Different humidifiers work in different ways, but the basic principle is the same: They release water vapor into the air.

When the air you breathe is too dry, it can irritate your nose, mouth, and sinuses. The inside of your nose may swell, crack, and even bleed a bit. And the mucus your body produces may become thick and hard to remove.

According to sinus experts, adding moisture to the air with a humidifier is generally good for your sinus health.

Moist air can help thin out and loosen mucus. And the water vapor in the air can moisturize and calm irritated airways and ease dry eyes caused by sinusitis.

Humidifiers range from pricey whole-house systems to inexpensive tabletop units. Their features and temperature capabilities can also vary a lot.

Most of the humidifiers sold are portable cool mist humidifiers. Some propel warm mists or steam. And some units can switch from warm to cool.

Here is a brief breakdown of humidifier types and features:

Whole-house humidifiers

About 4 percent of the humidifiers sold in the United States are systems that can humidify the whole house. Generally, these systems must be installed by HVAC professionals, so they can be quite expensive.

Whole-house humidifiers connect directly to your home’s water lines and have filters that must be replaced at least twice a year.

Impellers

This type of cool mist humidifier is driven by a small motor, which draws water up using a spinning disc. The disc propels water through a mesh screen, creating a light mist.

Evaporators

A type of cool mist humidifier, evaporators contain a fan and a wick. When you fill the unit with water, the wick becomes wet. The fan blows cool air through the wick, where it gathers moisture before being released into the room.

Ultrasonic units

Ultrasonic humidifiers can blow either warm or cool air. They propel tiny water droplets by vibrating a metal or ceramic diaphragm under the water level. Ultrasonic units are usually quieter than evaporators.

Steam

A simple steam humidifier boils water and releases the steam into the room. These portable units are often inexpensive. It’s important to note that studies haven’t confirmed whether steam humidifiers are effective at reducing sinus issues.

There are many factors to consider when buying a humidifier. Although price is an important consideration, here are some other factors to keep in mind when trying to choose the right humidifier for your sinusitis.

• Buy the right size. Make sure you buy a humidifier that’s the right size for the space where it’ll be used. A humidifier that’s too large for the space can create too much moisture which, in turn, could encourage the growth of mold and bacteria. A humidifier that’s too small won’t give you the level of humidity you need to help relieve your symptoms.
• Easy to clean. Choose a model that’s easy to take apart and put back together, so cleaning is quick and simple.
• Humidity feature. Look for a humidistat feature that shuts off the device when the air reaches an optimal humidity.
• Listen before you buy. Turn the humidifier on and listen to it before you buy it. Some models may be loud enough to disturb your sleep.
• Read reviews. Be sure to read the ratings and reviews on different humidifiers before you buy one. Make sure it has the features you need and that it will be easy to clean and maintain.
• Check out the warranty. Look for a product warranty that lasts at least a year.

Product recommendations

Healthline has given these portable humidifiers top ratings. You can buy each of these products online.

• Levoit LV600 Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier. This moderately priced, easy-to-clean humidifier has plenty of useful features and can produce both warm and cool mist.
• Homasy Cool Mist Humidifier. Ideal for smaller rooms, this humidifier is easy to clean and has an automatic shutoff feature.
• Pure Enrichment MistAire Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier. This quiet, compact humidifier is super easy to use and works well in smaller spaces.
• Honeywell HCM 350B Germ Free Humidifier. Well suited to larger rooms, this quiet unit has the advantage of ultraviolet technology that can eliminate bacteria and fungi in the air.
• Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier. This warm mist humidifier can be used with Vicks VapoSteam, which may provide respiratory relief when you’re congested.
• TaoTronics Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier. Featuring a larger capacity tank, this humidifier can also switch between producing warm or cool mist.
• Hey Dewy Portable Facial Humidifier. Powered by a USB cable, this small, portable humidifier is well suited for use on airplanes and in other public spaces.

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The right kind of humidifier may help reduce sinusitis and allergy symptoms when used correctly.

Here are a few tips on how to use a humidifier:

• Fill with distilled water only. Tap water often has minerals that can be irritating if inhaled.
• To prevent your indoor space from becoming too humid, run a humidifier only when you need it. Don’t run it all the time. If possible, opt for a humidifier that will shut off when the humidity reaches a certain level in your indoor space.
• Take the humidifier apart and clean it daily, following the manufacturer’s instructions. If the humidifier uses filters, make sure you replace these regularly.
• Make sure to rinse away any disinfectant thoroughly. Breathing in disinfectant particles can harm your lungs.
• Test the air humidity. For the best indoor air quality, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends maintaining between 30-50 percent humidity. Humidity levels above 50 percent can induce the growth of bacteria and molds.

Some health experts are hesitant to recommend humidifiers in places where someone’s health is vulnerable. One of the main reasons is because humidifiers that aren’t properly cleaned can disperse bacteria or fungi through the air.

Steam humidifiers are less likely to breed and spread germs, but there is some concern over the possibility of burns from hot water with steam units.

It’s also important to use caution if you decide to use essential oils with your humidifier. Some people and pets are sensitive to oils.

To treat or reduce dry, irritated, or congested sinuses, you may also want to consider the following strategies:

• Irrigate your nasal passages. You can use a neti pot or bulb syringe to gently rinse your nose with slightly salty water. Healthcare professionals also often recommend over-the-counter (OTC) nasal rinse kits for patients with congested sinuses.
• Alternate compresses. To ease sinus pressure, place a warm, wet cloth over your nose and forehead for several minutes. Then replace the warm compress with a cool, damp compress. Rotate the two several times.
• Identify allergens. If your nose is stuffy or congested and your eyes are red or irritated, there may be something in your environment that’s causing an allergy. Pets, pollens, and chemicals are common culprits. Try to limit your exposure to known allergens.
• Limit drying medications. Some sinus medicines can cause a dry mouth, nose, and throat. Others can actually trigger rebound congestion if used too many days in a row. Talk with a pharmacist or healthcare professional about better alternatives.
• Stay away from irritating chemicals. Some people have a strong sensitivity to harsh cleaning chemicals and beauty products with artificial fragrances.
• Find out if another health condition is the culprit. Nasal polyps, irritable bowel syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, viral infections, and other health conditions can cause sinus symptoms. Sometimes menopause and pregnancy can also bring on allergy-like symptoms.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to balance your internal fluid levels and to prevent dehydration.

If you’re able to manage your sinus symptoms on your own, and you start to feel better, you may not need to see a healthcare professional.

But if you develop any of the following symptoms, it’s important to get medical care as soon as you’re able:

• sinus symptoms that last longer than 10-14 days
• fever over 102 degrees
• facial pain, redness, and swelling
• vision changes
• symptoms that carry on after you’ve finished antibiotics
• persistent headaches
• severe headache that doesn’t get better when you take over-the-counter medication

A humidifier is a good tool to have on hand if you experience sinus issues from time to time. It may help break up mucus, relieve a stuffy nose, and ease discomfort in your nose and throat.

A word of caution, however: Humidifiers need to be frequently and thoroughly cleaned, or they can become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria, which may worsen your sinus problems.

There are also other steps you can take to relieve your sinus issues. This includes irrigating your nasal passages, using warm and cold compresses, and limiting the use of certain medications.

Rhinosinusitis (sinusitis) | Dikul Center

Sinusitis is an infection of the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses. Sinus infections most often develop after a cold or after an allergy flare-up.

There are 4 types of sinusitis:

• Acute. Symptoms last no more than 4 weeks and resolve with proper care.
• Subacute. Symptoms do not go away immediately after treatment and last for 4 to 8 weeks.
• Chronic. Chronic sinusitis develops after repeated or poorly treated acute infections. Symptoms may last for more than 8 weeks.
• Recurrent. If a patient has 3 or more episodes of acute sinusitis per year within a year, then this sinusitis is called recurrent.

Sinuses are cavities or air-filled pockets that are located near the nasal passage. The sinuses secrete mucus, which cleans the inhaled air of bacteria and particles. Most often with sinusitis, the maxillary sinuses become inflamed and sinusitis develops.

A sinus infection may develop after a cold. Cold leads to inflammation of the nasal passages. Swelling of the sinus mucosa can block the opening of the sinuses and lead to infection. Allergies also lead to swelling of the tissues of the nose, the formation of more mucus and cause sinusitis.

Other possible causes that can lead to sinusitis include:

• Abnormalities of the nose
• Enlarged adenoids
• Diving and swimming
• Infections of the teeth
• Injury to the nose
• Foreign objects lodged in the nose
• Passive smoking

If the flow of mucus is blocked, this can lead to bacterial growth and thus a sinus infection or sinusitis. The most common viruses and bacteria that cause sinusitis can also cause the flu or certain types of pneumonia.

Chronic sinusitis develops when inflammation persists for more than 3 months and there is resistance to conservative treatment.

Persistent swelling of the mucosa prevents normal drainage of the sinuses, mucus discharge is disturbed and nasal congestion becomes permanent. There is also difficulty breathing through the nose, and the area around the eye sockets may feel swollen or painful.

Chronic sinusitis can be caused by conditions such as nasal polyps, mucosal edema, infections. Chronic rhinosinusitis can develop in both adults and children.

Common causes of chronic sinusitis include:

• Nasal polyps. These tissue growths can block the nasal passages or sinuses.
• Deviated septum – can cause narrowing or blockage of the sinus passages, exacerbating the symptoms of sinusitis.
• Complications of other medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis, HIV and other diseases associated with the immune system can lead to nasal congestion.
• Respiratory tract infections. Respiratory tract infections — most commonly the common cold — can cause inflammation and thickening of the sinus membranes and block the flow of mucus. These infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria.
• Allergies such as hay fever. Inflammation that occurs with allergies can block the sinuses.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms are:

• Inflammation of the nose
• Thick, colorless nasal discharge (runny nose)
• Posterior throat drainage (postnasal drainage)
• Nasal obstruction resulting in difficulty in breathing through the nose
• Pain, soreness and possibly swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead
• Decreased sense of smell and taste

Other symptoms may include:

• Ear pain
• Headache
• Pain in the upper jaw and teeth
• Cough or sore throat
• Sore throat
• Bad breath
• Fatigue

Chronic sinusitis and acute sinusitis have similar symptoms. But acute sinusitis is a temporary sinus infection often associated with a cold. The symptoms of chronic sinusitis last for at least 12 weeks, and a person may have several episodes of acute sinusitis before chronic sinusitis develops. An increase in temperature may be associated with acute sinusitis and is not characteristic of chronic sinusitis.

When should I see a doctor?

You need to make an appointment with a doctor if:

• The patient has had sinusitis several times and this condition is not curable.
• The patient has symptoms of sinusitis that last more than 10 days.
• Symptoms do not improve after medical treatment.

Seek immediate medical attention if the patient has the following symptoms, which may indicate a serious infection:

• Severe fever (fever)
• Swelling or redness around the eyes
• Severe headache
• Forehead edema
• Confusion
• Double vision or other visual disturbances
• Neck stiffness

Complications

Serious complications of sinusitis may include:

• Vision problems. If a sinus infection spreads to the eye socket, it can lead to visual impairment or possibly blindness, which may be permanent.
• Infections. Rarely, people with sinusitis may develop inflammation of the lining of the brain (meningitis), bone infections, or serious skin infections.

Prevention

The following steps should be taken to reduce the risk of sinusitis:

• Avoid upper respiratory tract infections. Avoid contact with people with acute respiratory infections or other infections. Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating.
• Control symptoms if allergic. If possible, avoid contact with substances to which you are allergic.
• Avoid cigarette smoke and polluted air. Tobacco smoke and air pollutants can irritate and inflame the lungs and nasal passages.
• Use a humidifier. If the air in your home is dry, such as if you have forced-air heating, humidifying the air can help prevent sinusitis.

Diagnosis

The physician may first determine the patient’s symptoms and then examine and palpate the nose and face for swelling or tenderness. Your doctor may also examine your nose and throat.

Methods for diagnosing sinusitis include:

• Medical imaging methods. Diagnostic methods such as CT or MRI can show a detailed picture of the nose and sinuses and reveal the presence of morphological signs of inflammation, tumors, fungal infections, which is difficult to see with an endoscope.
• Endoscopy. A thin, flexible tube with fiber optic light inserted through the nose allows the doctor to see the inside of the sinuses. Endoscopy allows the doctor to see a deviated septum, polyps, or tumors.
• Allergy testing. If allergies are suspected as the cause of chronic sinusitis, a doctor may recommend an allergy test. A skin test is safe and quick to perform and can help determine which allergen is causing the patient’s runny nose.
• Analysis of nasal and sinus secretions (cultures). Analysis is necessary if treatment is not effective. The analysis will identify the bacterial agent and determine the sensitivity to antibiotics.
• Blood tests and additional investigations are needed when complications are suspected.

Treatment

Treatment of sinusitis includes:

• Nasal corticosteroids. These nasal sprays help prevent and treat chronic inflammation. Examples include fluticasone, triamcinolone, budesonide, mometasone and beclomethasone. If the sprays are not effective enough, your doctor may recommend rinsing with a saline solution mixed with budesonide drops or using a nasal spray from the solution.
• Nasal rinsing with nasal sprays or saline solutions can reduce secretions and wash away irritants and allergic components.
• Oral or injectable corticosteroids. These medicines are used to relieve inflammation in severe sinusitis, especially if the patient has nasal polyps.
• Allergy medicines. If your sinusitis is caused by allergies, your doctor may recommend allergy medications.
• Antifungal treatment – needed if sinusitis is caused by fungi.
• Medicines for nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis. If a patient has nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis, a doctor may prescribe an injection of dupilumab or omalizumab to treat the condition. These medications help reduce the size of nasal polyps and reduce nasal congestion.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are needed for sinusitis caused by bacteria. If a doctor cannot rule out an underlying infection, an antibiotic may be recommended, sometimes along with other medications.

Immunotherapy

If allergies contribute to sinusitis, then immunotherapy can reduce the body’s response to certain allergens and improve the condition.

Surgery

In cases where conservative treatment fails and there is a high risk of complications, surgical methods of treatment may be used. As a rule, endoscopic methods of treatment are used. Surgery allows you to restore the patency of the nasal passages – correct the septum, remove polyps, expand the narrow opening of the sinus, which ultimately significantly improves the drainage of the sinuses and eliminates congestion.

Lifestyle and home remedies

At home, the following methods can be used to relieve the symptoms of sinusitis:

• Rest. This can help the body fight inflammation and speed up recovery.
• Moisturize the sinuses.
• Warm compress. A warm compress on the nose and forehead can help relieve sinus pressure.
• Flush nasal passages. To do this, you must use a special vial with saline. This washing will clear the sinuses.

Treatment and prevention of acute sinusitis

In most cases, acute sinusitis does not require treatment, as it is caused by a viral infection (runny nose). As a rule, self-medication is sufficient for a speedy recovery and smoothing out the symptoms.

Treatment to relieve symptoms

Your doctor may recommend medication to relieve the symptoms of sinusitis. For example, drugs such as:

• A saline nasal spray to be injected into the nose several times a day to clear the nasal passages.
• Nasal corticosteroids. Corticosteroid nasal sprays can prevent or reduce inflammation. Examples of drugs: fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex), budesonide (Rinocort Aqua), triamcinolone (Nasacort AQ), beclomethasone (Beconase AQ).
• Decongestants. These preparations are available over the counter without a prescription and include drops, tablets, and nasal sprays. These drugs are used for several days, otherwise they can increase nasal congestion.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers include aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol and others) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others). Children should not be given aspirin.

Antibiotics

• Antibiotics are not usually needed to treat acute sinusitis.
• Antibiotics cannot treat acute sinusitis caused by a viral or fungal infection.
• Most cases of acute bacterial sinusitis can be treated without antibiotics.
• Antibiotics are generally used to treat severe, recurrent, or prolonged cases of bacterial infection.
• Antibiotics for acute sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection: amoxicillin, clarithromycin, etc. If the prescribed drug does not help against the infection, or the sinusitis recurs, the doctor may prescribe a different antibiotic.
• If your doctor has prescribed antibiotics for you, you must complete the full course of treatment. This means that you need to take them for 10 to 14 days, even if the condition has already improved. If antibiotics are stopped early, symptoms may return.

Antifungals

Rarely, acute sinusitis is caused by a fungal infection. Then intravenous drugs such as amphotericin B or voriconazole must be used. The dose of the drug, as well as how long you need to take it, depends on the severity of the infection and how quickly the symptoms of the disease are weakened.

Immunotherapy

If your sinusitis is accompanied by allergies, your doctor may prescribe allergen-specific immunotherapy, which will reduce your body’s response to allergens and help improve the condition.

Recommendations for home treatment

The following recommendations will help you weaken the symptoms of sinusitis:

• Observe the bed or home regimen. This will help your body fight infection and get better sooner.
• Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or juice. This will make the mucus thinner, which will help it drain. Avoid drinks containing caffeine or alcohol as they dehydrate the body. In addition, alcohol can worsen swollen sinuses and nose.
• Steam your nose. Breathe the steam over a bowl of hot water, covering your head with a towel, keeping your face directly above the steam. Or take a hot shower (if you don’t have a fever), breathing warm, moist air. This will help relieve pain and help the mucus pass.
• Apply warm compresses to the face. To relieve facial pain, cover your nose, cheeks, and eyes with a towel soaked in warm water.
• Flush nasal passages. Use a specially designed spray bottle (eg Sinus Rinse) to rinse your nasal passages.
• Sleep with your head elevated. This will help improve passage from the sinuses and reduce nasal congestion.

Prevention of acute sinusitis

th ways. Minimize contact with people who have a cold. Wash your hands frequently with soap, especially before eating.

Use humidifiers.