Asthma and Allergy Air Purifiers Keep Your Home Trigger-Free

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Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways, and it is estimated that there are 17 million asthma sufferers in the U.S. alone. Asthmatics suffer from constricted, sore, and inflamed airways that are highly sensitive, and as a result of this sensitivity, exposure to irritants and allergens can often result in reactions in the airways which prevent the lungs from taking in more air. Some environmental stimulants can trigger asthma attacks, and these can include dust, dander, temperature changes, and physical exercise.  Therefore, asthma sufferers often experience coughing, breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, and chest pain when the airways react, get narrower, and when less air flows through to the lung tissue. In extreme instances, death can occur when an asthmatic loses consciousness and dies from insufficient oxygen.

It should also be noted that asthma and allergies go hand in hand, as many asthmatics often suffer from allergies (though not necessarily the other way around). Allergy sufferers experience similar symptoms as asthmatics, and allergies can be defined as a misguided reaction to foreign substances by the immune system. Although allergies can develop at any age, the risk of developing allergies is primarily genetic. Once exposed to an allergen, an allergy sufferer can experience symptoms as benign as wheezing or a runny nose, or as life-threatening as death. Also, because allergy triggers exist everywhere - from plants to food to pets - controlling allergy sources can be difficult.

Thankfully for asthma and allergy sufferers, air purifiers utilizing HEPA filters are very effective at controlling particles and allergens such as pollen, dust, and dander. True HEPA filters are composed of a mat of randomly arrange fibers that intercept, impact, and diffuse 99.97% of particulate matter up to 0.3 microns in size. Here is a list of the most common indoor particles and their respective sizes:

When choosing an allergy air purifier, look for one primarily utilizing a True HEPA filter without the use of an ionizer or ozone. Because air cleaners with HEPA filtration do not emit any chemicals, they are excellent for those with sensitive lungs such as allergy sufferers or asthmatics. Similarly, allergy air purifiers with Activated Carbon (oxygen-treated charcoal used to trap particulates, gases, and odors) are also ideal for allergy sufferers, and air purifiers with these two technologies are usually the most effective at particle abatement.  Allergy furnace filters which are inserted into the filter opening of your home furnace or air conditioning unit, are also an effective and affordable way to filter out allergens from the air you breathe. 

While an allergy or asthma air purifier will not replace the need for medication, it can remove pollutants from the air, reduce the number of triggers in your home, and help alleviate existing allergy or asthma symptoms.

See Allergy and Asthma Air Purifiers

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