Dehumidifiers for Asthma
Too little or too much moisture in the air can both be asthma triggers. Humidity is a common asthma trigger; the tricky part is that different levels of humidity can trigger different people. Outdoor air is uncontrollable and unpredictable, but luckily, there are some things you can do to manage the indoor air in your home. A dehumidifier for asthma may help improve asthma symptoms by removing excess moisture from the air, controlling mold growth, and creating a less hospitable environment for dust mites.
How can a dehumidifier help with asthma?
Interestingly, there is currently no clear evidence or research showing that a dehumidifier can help reduce asthma symptoms. Removing humidity from the air inside your home can create an environment that is too dry. This could actually cause you to experience a dry throat and coughing!1
Climate
That said, if you live in a very humid place, like the southeastern U.S. or Hawaii, a dehumidifier may be beneficial year-round. Summer is often the most humid season of the year, so using a dehumidifier during this time may be necessary. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, the winter can be very rainy, so a dehumidifier may be helpful during this season.2
Dust mites
Another reason a dehumidifier may be helpful for those with asthma is that dust mites prefer a humid environment. Being allergic to dust mites is another common asthma trigger. Reducing the moisture in your home's air can help create an environment less hospitable to dust mites. Those who don't have asthma but are allergic to dust mites may also find a use for a dehumidifier.3
Mold
Lastly, a dehumidifier can help control mold growth in your home. Mold allergies can also be a trigger for asthma, and too much moisture in the air can increase the risk of mold growing within your home.4,5
Different types of dehumidifiers for asthma
There are a variety of different dehumidifiers on the market, ranging in size and price. Here are the three main types:2
- Refrigerator dehumidifiers: These are the most common types of dehumidifiers. These draw in moisture from the air, which condenses on a metal plate and cools the air in the process.2
- Desiccant dehumidifiers: These dehumidifiers draw in moisture from the air, and there is a material inside the unit, a desiccant, that absorbs the water.2
- Whole-house dehumidifiers: This is a dehumidifier system that gets installed into the house. These are considered the most efficient dehumidifiers, especially for a larger space.2
There are other varieties of dehumidifiers used for different, specific purposes. Bedroom dehumidifiers are typically listed for sale as being "small and quiet." These are meant for smaller spaces, like a bedroom, and don't make as much noise as the larger dehumidifiers.2
Technically, all dehumidifiers help control mold growth, but there are also dehumidifying ventilation systems that remove condensation throughout the whole home. However, these are typically larger and more powerful than other dehumidifiers. Because of this, they will be on the more expensive side.2
Is a dehumidifier right for you and your asthma?
Depending on where you live, a dehumidifier may be needed year-round or only during certain seasons. Removing some of the moisture from the air may improve your asthma symptoms, prevent mold growth, and discourage the increase of dust mites.
Curious about other ways to manage the air within your home? Read about air purifiers and humidifiers.
Editor's note: A dehumidifier can remove mold spores from the air and prevent new mold from growing, but it will not remove existing mold. If you are regularly exposed to existing mold, talk to your doctor about how this may be affecting you.4,5
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