If you have a child with asthma or you suffer from asthma than
you might want to create a safer environment at home by removing things
that trigger asthma. Careful observation on your part as well as some
help from your doctor can go a long way in helping your child. Asthma is
basically a disease of respiratory tract characterized by symptoms such
as coughing, shortness of breath and tightness in chest. While you can
not control the genetic factors that cause asthma but certainly
environmental factors are in your hand.
Maintaining quality of air
inside your home is an important way of managing asthma. Room filters
or cleaners are quickly gaining popularity as one of the ways of
controlling asthma symptoms. They are even helpful to those who suffer
from chronic bronchitis or hay fever. Room filters or room air cleaners
might even come in handy if you are living with a smoker (although its
advisable to avoid smoking in home if any member of the family suffers
from asthma).
Room air cleaners work by removing small particles
from the air. There are many varieties available in the market. HEPA
filters are probably one of the best known mechanical air filters
available. Its fan forces the air inside the room to pass through a
screen which traps the allergens, dust particles and smoke. Directing
the fan towards carpet or curtains will cause the dust to rise that can
prove harmful. There are two major drawbacks for HEPA filters. One is
the amount of electricity consumed while running HEPA filters and the
other is noise that the running fan makes which can be quite annoying.
Electronic
air filters come with electronic charges that are capable of attracting
allergens. The irritants are captured on a collecting plate attached to
the device. The drawback: they create ozone, which is a major cause in
giving rise to asthma symptoms because it irritates airway. Having said
that, ozone generators might also not be such a good idea. Ozone
generators produce large amounts of ozone to clean the air in the room.
Again they might prove more harmful than useful for asthma patients.
Gas
phase air filters remove odors and gases from the air. They do so with
the help of carbon granules. Germicidal air filters are effective in
cleaning air by killing viruses and bacteria. The germs get killed from
the UV light as they pass through the filter. Another option might be
installing HVAC systems in homes the are air-conditioned or heated
through ducts. Even though this method might prove to be economical but
the drawbacks include the production of ozone as a by-product and these
systems are capable of filtering large particles but not small ones.
With
so many options available in the market one should think carefully
before purchasing any type of air filter. It is important to consider
your budget and get an estimate of what might it cost you to run the
filter all year-round. Secondly, you should consider how much noise its
going to make and whether or not its suitable for your bedroom or the
entire house. Keep in mind that installing an air purifier at home may
not be enough and you will still have to remove allergen causing agents
such as carpets or pets from your house.
