An air purifier captures small particles in the air and recirculates clean air throughout the room. It can eliminate a variety of pollutants, including ash, bacteria, fungus, pollen, and pet dander, that cause allergy symptoms.
There are numerous kinds of air purifiers. HEPA filters can capture 99.7% of particles 0.3 microns or smaller. Can they, however, help to prevent asthma symptoms?
In this article, we dive into the benefits and methods of using air purifiers for treating asthma.
Potential Benefits
The FDA has not approved air purifiers as medical devices for asthma treatment. Air purifiers, on the other hand, may be able to reduce exposure to typical asthma triggers, which may help control asthma symptoms.
Air purifiers can do this by:
– Reducing medication burden
– Secondhand smoke reduction
– Inflammation control
– Enhancing one’s quality of life
Precautions for Using Air Purifiers for Asthma
Avoid air purifiers that produce ozone, a chemical that can harm one’s health even at low levels of exposure. Ozone is an unstable gas molecule that irritates the lungs. It can cause coughing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and throat irritation. It can aggravate asthma symptoms and increase the risk of developing a respiratory infection.
Some asthma triggers, like outdoor allergens, gases, fumes, or mold, are difficult for air purifiers to eliminate. It’s always preferable to treat triggers at their source.
How to Use an Air Purifier for Treating Asthma Symptoms
Here are some tips for using an air purifier to help control asthma symptoms:
– Perform routine maintenance:
Washable air filters are often less expensive but must be cleaned regularly. Mold growth and allergen reintroduction can occur if the air purifier is not cleaned or switched regularly. This could aggravate asthma symptoms.
– Use a fan:
Run the central air conditioning system with the fan on whenever possible. This helps to keep the air fresh and the space well-ventilated.
– Vacuum regularly:
To reduce allergen exposure, use a HEPA vacuum cleaner once or twice a week.
– Keep an eye on symptoms:
To see if the air purifier is helping with asthma management, keep a daily diary of symptoms. Record and monitor peak flow measurements as well.
Additional Asthma Treatment Options
While an air purifier can assist some people in controlling their asthma symptoms, there are other methods to prevent asthma triggers:
– Asthma medications should be taken as prescribed.
– Always keep a rescue inhaler on hand.
– Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.
– Request a referral to a specialist from the primary healthcare provider.
– Create an asthma action plan with the provider to know when to seek emergency medical help.
– Get the seasonal flu vaccine.
