Providers and patients: The information below can be downloaded and printed in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole from the links below.
Humidity is the amount of water or moisture in the air. It can affect your child’s health in many ways, especially if they have asthma or allergies.
Good humidity is between 35 and 50 percent.
Relative humidity compares the actual amount of water in the air to the most amount of water the air can hold.
If the range is below or above the 35 to 50 percent range, the air can make your child cough and have a hard time breathing. Sudden changes in humidity can also make breathing conditions like asthma worse.
Low humidity can result in dry air, which can cause:
High humidity can cause difficulty breathing by making it easier for the growth of:
Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are both used to control humidity. Learn the difference so that you know when to use each one.
Adds moisture into the air to raise the humidity.
It helps with:
When do you use it?
Use typically in the dryer months:
What are the different types?
Absorbs moisture out of the air to lower the humidity.
It helps with:
When do you use it?
Use typically in conditions with high moisture:
What are the different types?
How can you use them best?
Both humidifiers and dehumidifiers work best when used in well-ventilated areas (with good airflow). This helps moisture get distributed evenly.
Both humidifiers and dehumidifiers handle moisture. This can make them grow mold and mildew, which can make allergies and asthma symptoms worse.
For more resources on humidity, visit:
