Asthma is a common respiratory condition in adults and children. An asthma attack results in a narrowing and inflammation of the airways leading to the lungs. Triggers for an asthma attack can include: allergens, pollen, pet dander, air pollution, dust, and chemical fumes. Most of these impurities can exist in the home. Using an air filter can decrease or eliminate the triggers of asthma. Air purifiers for the home are effective at eliminating not only particles but also odors and fumes.
No matter what substance triggers your asthma attack, an air filter is going to make a great difference. Air filters work by removing particles from the air, and trapping them. Once the filter collects the particles, you will be able to breathe air that is much purer and cleaner.
There are a number of different air filters on the market. There are air purifiers that can be installed to filter air in a single room and filters that can be connected to the air conditioning or heating system of the home. Many experts recommend a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) grade air cleaner to filter out such contaminants as pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and dust mites.
Air purifiers with a HEPA filter have been proven to trap 99.97 to 99.99% of particles and microns from the air. Filtering these impurities out of indoor air will lessen the severity or eliminate asthma symptoms. The American Lung Association recommends a HEPA air filter purifier for bedrooms of asthma patients. According to the Mayo clinic, "an air particle filter is ideal for household ventilation systems." The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and the British Allergy Foundation recommend the use of ionic filters and HEPA filters.