humidification /hyo̅o̅mid′ifikā″shən/ [L, humidus, moist, facere, to make] , the process of increasing the relative humidity of the atmosphere around a patient through the use of aerosol generators or steam inhalers that exert an antitussive effect. Humidification acts by decreasing the viscosity of bronchial secretions, whereas added medications or sodium chloride may stimulate coughing by an irritant effect.
