The text in context: "Here are a few alternative treatments for infants to help with cough and cold symptoms:
A cool mist humidifier helps nasal passages shrink and allow easier breathing. Do not use warm mist humidifiers. They can cause nasal passages to swell and make breathing more difficult"
Source: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/use-caution-when-giving-cough-and-cold-products-kids
I searched quite some time on the fda archives, Google scholar, NIH, but couldn't find anything close to that assertion.
It's just kind of irksome that all the reputable consumer product publications are all citing the same FDA web page or each other. And some flat out rejecting warm mist humidifiers without question when there are quite a number of research papers that discuss the subtle dangers of cold mist ultrasonic humidifiers, especially regarding their ability to eject mineral and metal contaminants into the air and aren't able to inhibit bacteria growth, leading to instances of humidifier lung.
Hi,
The FDA's recommendation against using warm mist humidifiers due to their potential to cause nasal passages to swell is supported by some evidence, although not definitive. Warm mist humidifiers release warm moisture into the air, which can provide temporary relief for dry nasal passages and soothe the membranes inside the nose. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that warm mist humidifiers improve symptoms of a common cold or significantly reduce nasal congestion. A 2016 trial mentioned in a Medical News Today article found that steam did not have an impact on nasal congestion due to the common cold. The FDA also warns against using warm mist humidifiers in toddlers, as they can cause swelling of the nasal passages, which may worsen symptoms. Cool mist humidifiers, on the other hand, seem to be more effective at opening up swollen nasal passages. They release cool moisture into the air and are recommended by the FDA for this purpose. In summary, while warm mist humidifiers may provide temporary relief for dry nasal passages, there is no scientific evidence to support their effectiveness in treating common cold symptoms or reducing nasal congestion. Cool mist humidifiers are a safer and more effective option for this purpose.
Article A feasibility and efficacy trial of a hand-held humidificati...
Hope it helps,
Best regards
Tomasz
@Tomasz Grabowski
Hi!
Thank you for your response. My question is regarding if there is any evidence behind the FDA's claim that warm mist humidifier can cause nasal passages to swell. The paper you mention does not say anything about nasal passage swelling.
Are there any sources regarding warm mist humidifiers and nasal passage swelling or are the FDA claims baseless and without evidence?
These are very questionable statements, especially for the golden billion populations, living in climate-controlled housing. By the time the humidified air reaches the patient it's temperature would equilibrate with whatever the parents have set.
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