Asthma, a chronic disease that stifles breathing, affects both adults and children. Living with asthma can be a real daily challenge. For many people, it’s a constant battle to breathe freely, without wheezing or tightness. Have you ever thought about using an air purifier as an effective solution for reducing the symptoms of asthma and improving lung health?
In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about this subject and the key role of an air purifier in combating asthma. From the effectiveness of the filters to the criteria for selecting an air purifier, we offer you a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
Together, let’s explore the truth about air purifiers made for asthma and other respiratory conditions. Ready to dive into this study and discover the new insights that it can offer? Then keep reading with AtmosC!
What are the symptoms of asthma?
There are different symptoms related to asthma. Some are more or less present and intense, and they can cause real discomfort in your daily life. This can sometimes result in complications that may lead to taking medications, or even hospitalization in the most serious cases.
The common symptoms of asthma
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the respiratory tract, causing inflammation of the bronchi. This inflammation makes breathing difficult, leading to various symptoms:
- wheezing
- coughing, especially at night
- bronchial inflammation
- difficulty breathing
- a feeling of tightness in the chest
Childhood asthma usually has the same symptoms.
Asthma attacks: what should you expect?
An asthma attack is a sudden worsening of the symptoms of varying duration. During asthma attacks, the respiratory tract constricts more, which reduces air flow and intensifies the symptoms. It is crucial to recognize an asthma attack quickly in order to act accordingly.
The environmental triggers of asthma
These respiratory complications are often linked to other concerns, such as allergies or air pollution, particularly due to small suspended particles. In particular, asthma can be triggered by various common allergens present in the environment:
- pet dander, hair, and skin flakes
- dust
- dust mites
- mold spores
- certain chemicals
- cigarette smoke particles
How to prevent asthma attacks
Preventing asthma attacks (and other related allergy symptoms) involves avoiding triggers and controlling the environment. Keeping your house clean to reduce the presence of dust and allergens and using non-irritating household products can help prevent attacks.
Considering ways to improve the quality of life in your household environment is therefore an essential strategy. AtmosC air purifiers, with their advanced filtration technology, can help reduce the presence of fine particles, organic compounds, allergens, and other pollutants.
It’s not just about comfort; it’s also a matter of health. Breathing purified air can be a real revolution for people with asthma. However, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the use of air purifiers in the fight against asthma.
Can air purifiers fight asthma?
Air purifiers and the allergens associated with asthma
Recent research such as the IVAIRE project has explored the impact of ventilation on indoor air quality and the frequency of respiratory symptoms in children with asthma living in single-family houses.
The researchers’ analyses have shown that installing and using a mechanical ventilation system considerably improved the ventilation rate and the air quality inside the house. They noted a significant 22% reduction in children who experienced one or more wheezing episodes over the following 12 months.
Air purifiers can reduce the concentration of allergens present in the indoor air, which can help prevent asthma attacks. According to the 2015 IVAIRE project study, a 50% reduction in the concentration of formaldehyde could reduce, over the next 12 months following improved ventilation:
- the proportion of children with wheezing by 14.8%;
- the proportion of children with a nighttime cough by 20.4%;
- the proportion of children visiting the emergency room by 16.0%.
Choosing the right air purifier for asthma
According to Health Canada, when choosing between air cleansers, it is important to take the following criteria into account:
- its effectiveness at eliminating particles in the air;
- the surface area of the room to be purified;
- the presence or absence of ozone.
Other criteria such as noise levels, energy efficiency, available filter types, and fan speed modes should also be considered to ensure that the unit meets your specific needs and lifestyle. In addition, some air cleaners have a night mode, which is very useful if you need to purify your master bedroom or your kid's room at night.
In a study published in the journal Thorax, researcher John Warner of St. Mary's Hospital and the Imperial College of London tested an air purifier against asthma. 282 Europeans from six countries were able to try the device for an entire year. The finding was clear: people who slept under the device reported a significant improvement in their quality of life and were less likely to visit the hospital due to an asthma attack.
The importance of the Air Quality Health Index
This score is an air quality index that indicates the health risk level associated with the air quality. By relying on the Air Quality Health Index, people with allergies and/or asthma can decide when and how much they can practice activities outside.
The Air Quality Health Index ranges from 1 to 10+. A score from 1 to 3 indicates a low health risk, whereas a score from 7 to 10 indicates a high risk. For people with asthma, a high score might mean that it is preferable to limit outdoor activities and reduce indoor pollutants with air purifiers for asthma.
What steps should you take to fight asthma?
The importance of a healthy environment for people with asthma
Indoor air quality can have a significant impact on our health. Allergens and respiratory irritants can not only trigger asthma attacks, but also cause other health problems. This is why it is important to take steps to improve the indoor air quality of your home.
In short
- Asthma, a chronic disease that affects breathing, has symptoms such as wheezing, nighttime coughing, and bronchial inflammation. Air purifiers could mitigate these symptoms.
- Air purifiers can help improve the quality of life of people with asthma by reducing the presence of fine particles, allergens, and other asthma triggers in the air.
- The IVAIRE study found that a 50% reduction in the concentration of formaldehyde can lead to significant decreases in respiratory symptoms in children with asthma.
- When buying an air purifier for asthma, Health Canada recommends considering its effectiveness at eliminating particles, the surface area of the room to be purified, and the presence or absence of ozone.
- For people with asthma, a high Air Quality Health Index may mean that it is preferable to limit outdoor activities and improve the indoor air quality with air purifiers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of air purifiers for asthma available on the market?
There are several types of air purifiers for asthma: those with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters that capture fine particles, ionization purifiers that use ions to eliminate harmful particles, and ultraviolet purifiers that destroy microorganisms.
How do air purifiers work against asthma?
Air purifiers work by filtering the ambient air and eliminating allergenic particles. This process can help reduce asthma symptoms by decreasing the concentration of potential triggers in the indoor air.
What is the recommended frequency for replacing the filters in an air purifier?
The frequency for replacing the filters in an air purifier depends on its use and model. However, generally speaking, it is recommended to replace them every 3 to 6 months to ensure optimal performance.
Where is the ideal place to put an air purifier for asthma in your house?
The optimal location for an air purifier depends on the space and your needs. Generally speaking, it is recommended to place it in the rooms where you spend the most time, such as the bedroom or living room.