Asthma and Air Filters

If you or someone at your home have asthma symptoms and if you live with a smoker, an air filter or room air cleaner is likely to be helpful. Secondhand smoke always makes asthma symptoms worsen. Secondhand smoke also causes nasal congestion for small children. Almost all room air cleaners efficiently remove smoke from the room. The bottom line on using air filters to prevent an asthma attack. If you’re a healthy individual living in a relatively unpolluted environment, there's probably no need to spend the money.

Although the EPA recommends air filtration, controlling the sources of allergy-causing pollution and ventilation are more important. Air filters are worth considering, but not as a solution to your asthma or allergy problems by themselves. In fact, research studies disagree on whether or not filters give much added relief in a clean and well-ventilated home. While many allergens and irritants are suspended in household air, there are far more resting on surfaces like rugs, furniture and countertops.

Keeping these areas clean is an important step in controlling your allergy and asthma triggers. However, the most effective step is to eliminate the source of these allergens and irritants in the first place. Before you make any changes to your indoor home environment or purchase any air filtration products, make sure to speak with a doctor who knows your personal medical history and current condition.