How air filters can help reduce asthma and allergy triggers

How air filters can help reduce asthma and allergy triggers

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, one in four Americans suffers from asthma or the effects of allergies. Eliminating or reducing household triggers is important to minimize exposure to dangerous air pollutants. Whether it's asthma, seasonal allergies or indoor allergies, one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to reduce molecular and particulate triggers is to purchase and use high-quality air filters.

How is clean air related to asthma and allergies?

James T. Li, MD of the Mayo Clinic, said of air filters: "Air filters that remove small particles – such as HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Air) filters – are effective in removing allergens from the air without ozone problems. To work effectively, filters must be cleaned or replaced regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions." Doctor Li is too Chairman of the Division of Allergic Diseases in the Department of Internal Medicine.

With this in mind, it is important to consult your doctor about your specific condition and circumstances. Talk to your doctor about all your symptoms and be sure to note any sources of allergens that may worsen your asthma or allergies. Some of the triggers for asthma and allergies are:

• Pet Dander
• Schimmelsporen
• Staub
• Pollen
• Chemische Dämpfe
• Krankheitserreger
• Rauch

Keep the air in your home clean

It is important to ensure that the air quality in your home is as clean as possible. There's no great way to combat outside allergens when you leave your home. However, you have a high degree of environmental control over your home.

• Stellen Sie sicher, dass Ihre Lüftungsschlitze gereinigt und staubfrei sind. Durch regelmäßiges Staubsaugen und ordnungsgemäßes Entsorgen der Beutel oder des Schmutzes werden Reizstoffe und Schadstoffe gesenkt.
• Durch regelmäßige Reinigung der Oberflächen von Geräten, Theken und Möbeln wird auch Ihr Zuhause weiter gereinigt.
• Ideal ist auch die Verwendung von Reinigungsmitteln, die mild sind und dennoch das Gedeihen von Bakterien und Viren reduzieren.
• Stellen Sie sicher, dass Bereiche, in denen chemische Farben und Reinigungsmittel aufbewahrt werden, gut belüftet sind und sich nicht in der Nähe Ihrer Lüftungs- oder Klimaanlage befinden. Chemikalien wie Bleichmittel oder Farbverdünner können Asthma- und Allergiesymptome beeinflussen und verschlimmern.
• Tabakrauch ist ein weiterer Schuldiger, ebenso wie Rauch oder Dämpfe von brennenden Materialien.

The importance of air filters

The biggest but perhaps most important step is choosing a quality air filter. While price doesn't always depend on quality, choose the best filter you can afford. don't save. Air filters reduce indoor pollutants like particles and molecular triggers by trapping them and preventing them from re-entering your home's air.

Filters treated with antimicrobial agents inhibit the growth and spread of airborne mold and bacteria. Airborne bacteria and mold are two pollutants that can severely affect people with and without asthma and allergies.

Choose a pleated air filter with carbon to trap or capture molecular triggers such as vapors from chemicals or pathogens in the air. Typical filters without carbon or another proven molecular agent do not trap chemical vapors.

Make sure you replace your filters at least at the intervals recommended by your manufacturer. For cleaner air, replace filters more often.

Inspired by Jim Gates