Ways to Prevent Allergies

Most of us have allergies and are not limited to suffering only during Spring and Summer, but rather all year round. Some of us are allergic to cats, dogs, mold, pollen, and everything else that roams free in our air. It is rather easy to say that everyone is allergic to something since the air we breath is so polluted with anything imaginable.

Most of us do not want to be on allergy medications for the rest of our lives either so we definitely need to figure out what is causing these allergies in the first place. The very first step is to look at our home environment. Buildings are sealed tightly for energy efficiency and with all of the chemicals that are used to clean buildings, we are breathing in those harmful chemicals. Cleaning products left on floors and other surfaces dry and can eventually circulate on dust particles throughout the house and workplace, therefore being inhaled with each breath we take. Fire retardants and other chemicals left on foam and fabrics in furniture, mattresses, and electrical insulation can irritate the airway. Also make sure to watch for mold because it can grow wherever there is humidity; in basements, bathrooms, crawl spaces, air conditioners, and car ducts.

It wouldn't make any sense to treat your allergies without examining your environment and trying to eliminate what is causing the problem. For example; A family moved into a charming old house and within a few months the father started sniffling and sneezing. He then developed asthma for the very first time in his life. Not long after, his two children also became congested and had periodic bouts of asthma. They were all treated with different medications. It wasn't until after they moved out of that house, their symptoms went away and the need for medications completely disappeared. This is a perfect example of why we need to first find the culprit that is causing our allergy symptoms before we get treatment. Once the cause is found and eliminated, we may not need to be on any medications for allergies.

However, it is impossible to eliminate all of the airborne allergens that trigger symptoms, but you can reduce the amount of dust in your environment. First let's talk about what you shouldn't do. Do not use the old fashioned fiber-glass filters because they only capture large particles. Consumer Report warns us that ozone type air purifiers should not be used either because the small room-size ionizing air cleaners or electrostatic precipitators can generate ozone. Since it can be irritating and can decrease lung function, ozone is the last thing anyone with allergies or asthma needs.

The first choice in air cleaning technology is the HEPA or High Efficiency Particulate Air, filter. Since these filters are made of tightly packed fibers that look like thick paper and are folded to look like a mini accordion, they maximize the air's contact with the filter. These HEPA filters are mainly used in computer clean rooms, pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, and hospitals, where it is important to trap the smallest dust particles. To install the HEPA filter you will need a professional. Ask a hating and cooling expert if they can install such a system in your home. A great place to start is the Aprilaire Media Air Cleaner. You can contact them by calling 1-800-334-6011 or by visiting their website.

HEPA type filters achieve 99% efficiency for particles bigger than five microns and 95% efficiency for the smallest one micron-sized particles. The longer you use it, the more effective it becomes. It should be changed every one to two years. If you cannot afford the HEPA filter or an electronic air cleaner then look into a do-it-yourself four inch American Air Filter for around $40 or the one inch 3M Filtrate for $25.

You can also eliminate the causes of allergies by using a good vacuum cleaner. They have vacuum cleaners with the HEPA filter installed and they have been found to be very effective at reducing allergens. However, some models without the HEPA filter can also be very effective and cost much less than the HEPA models.

The Sears Kenmore Canister models scored generally high in the Consumer Reports testing. One very expensive model, The Progressive 25512 at around $300, was a best buy in the tests. Then there is an even more expensive Miele vacuums that come with the HEPA filter and costs between $500-$800. Other even more expensive models such as, the Bosch Premium, at around $800 and the Aerus Lux Guardian, at roughly $1200, also come with the HEPA filters and scored well. Although these vacuum cleaners are very expensive, consider that they not only eliminate allergens, but they can last for many years so it might be worth the high price.

In my next article I will tell you about the best prescriptions, over-the-counter meds, and home remedies that will help treat your allergy symptoms.