If you are a sufferer of asthma or any serious allergies, at some point you must have considered or been approached by a salesman to buy an air purifier. These gadgets are meant to alleviate the problems of air pollution faced by asthma patients. People who suffer from asthma know only too well the advantages of maintaining a clean and healthy air environment. The cleaner the air that they breathe the lesser the chances of an asthma attack.

What sets off an asthma attack?

Asthma can be triggered by a number of common elements found in the air. These include but are not limited to high levels of dust floating in the air, the ever present smog in cities caused by traffic congestion, noxious byproducts discharged by industrial and home chemicals, pollen, cigarette smoke, pet hair etc. The list could just go on and on.

The challenge, then for an asthma patient is to reduce the number of irritants that are present in the air that can cause the onset of an attack.

Enter Air purifiers

An air purifier is a device which frees the air from contaminants, like the ones mentioned above. Experts maintain that an air purifier can indeed help relieve the asthma symptoms. Air purifiers are able to do so as they are equipped to filter the air of pollutants and second hand smoke. They cut down on the number of airborne dust mites by reducing the amount of floating dust. They are able to cleanse the air of chemical pollutants and even filter fine pet hairs. Various technologies are used to accomplish this, including filters, adsorbents like charcoal and electrostatic charges.

Are they worth it?

Experts believe that while air purifiers do succeed in removing and filtering many of the allergens that are present in the air, they can do so only when other changes are made to the environment, in addition to purchasing an air purifier. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Lung Association, both recommend air filtration systems but not as an all-in-all solution.

Minor changes made to the home can achieve better air ventilation and cleanliness, which can also help reduce the symptoms of asthma. For instance avoiding carpeting, using air conditioning, regular cleaning of air filters in air conditioners in every season, staying indoors during the pollen season or when your allergies are severe, can all help to reduce asthma.