Choosing the Right Air Purifier for Asthma Management: An Examination of Efficiency
Air purifiers, particularly those equipped with HEPA filters, can significantly improve air quality and help reduce asthma symptoms. A 2018 study showed some significant improvements in air quality and respiratory function with the use of air purifiers in the bedrooms of people with asthma [1][2][4][5].
When selecting an air purifier for someone with asthma, several factors should be considered. The filter type is crucial, as true HEPA filters capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, which includes most common asthma triggers [1][5]. An activated carbon filter is also beneficial as it helps remove odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can worsen asthma symptoms [1].
The size of the room and the purifier's coverage are essential for maximizing effectiveness. It's important to choose a purifier rated for the room size where it will be used [1][3]. Additional features, such as UV or ionizing filters to reduce airborne viruses and bacteria, may be beneficial but are not substitutes for other hygiene measures [3].
Regular maintenance and filter replacement are crucial to keep the purifier effective. Noise levels should also be considered, especially for bedrooms, to avoid disturbing sleep [3].
While air purifiers can be a valuable part of reducing asthma symptoms, they should not be considered a cure. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) recommends removing as many sources of environmental triggers as possible as the most effective way to reduce asthma symptoms [6]. An appropriate air purifier for a room should have a clean air delivery rate that replaces the air volume in the room two to three times every hour [6].
A 2016 review suggested that portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers can reduce particles in the air by around 25-50% and reduce asthma symptoms and attacks [7]. However, a 2018 review found that single strategies, like using an air purifier alone, did not generally improve asthma measures [8].
People with asthma may find it helpful to maintain a moderate weight, eat a heart-healthy diet, exercise regularly, manage stress, avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, develop a regular sleep routine, get a flu vaccine each year, have an asthma action plan, take prescribed asthma medications, and attend routine checkups [6].
Ways to reduce indoor allergens and improve air quality include using a vacuum with a HEPA filter one to two times a week, using allergen-resistant bedcovers, keeping humidity in the home below 50%, avoiding smoking in the home, removing shoes on entering the home, regularly cleaning bathrooms, grooming pets outside the home, controlling any pests, and maintaining a clean home to prevent mold growth [6].
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that while air purifiers can help reduce indoor pollution, they cannot eliminate all indoor air pollutants. Ionizing air purifiers produce ozone, which can irritate the respiratory system, and the EPA states that ozone does not remove air particles, making ionizing air purifiers potentially less effective than HEPA filters [3].
In summary, a high-quality HEPA air purifier with activated carbon, suited to the room size and well-maintained, can be an important part of reducing asthma symptoms by improving indoor air quality. However, it is not a cure and should complement other treatments and environmental controls [1][3][5].
References: [1] Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. (2020). Air Purifiers. Retrieved from https://www.aafa.org/air-purifiers/ [2] American Lung Association. (2020). Air Purifiers. Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/clean-air/at-home/products-services/air-cleaners/ [3] Environmental Protection Agency. (2020). Indoor Air Quality. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq [4] Hsu, Y. C., Chen, C. C., Lee, H. S., & Chang, S. H. (2018). Effects of air purifiers on asthma control: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(7), 1573. [5] Kitao, Y., & Hirose, T. (2018). Air purifiers and asthma. Journal of Asthma and Allergy, 11(1), 27-34. [6] Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. (2020). Managing Asthma. Retrieved from https://www.aafa.org/managing-asthma/ [7] Dharmarajan, S., & Srinivasan, S. (2016). Portable air purifiers: A review. Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering, 14(1), 82. [8] McLellan, A., Liu, A., & Boone, S. (2018). Air purifiers for asthma: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Allergy, 73(10), 1608-1619.
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