Sunday, October 14, 2007

Allergy - Air Purifier Basics: Why and How to Buy an Air Purifier

If you think that air purifiers are just any other luxury device that your family can do without, read on. You are more likely to discover the benefits of having an equipment that gets rid of air pollutants and improves the quality of the air you breathe.

Why buy an Air Purifier

According to environmental studies, indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. This is because homes and buildings today are designed to keep air inside to avoid heat gain during summer and heat loss during winter. The result is build up of air pollutants that may come from such sources as dusts and mold spores.

The dirty air that circulates in the home can be harmful because air pollutants like dander flakes from pets and tobacco smoke can in fact cause asthmatic and allergic reactions. In addition to this, most people stay indoor and are more likely to inhale polluted indoor air. The effect of dirty indoor air is more damaging to people who are sickly and are more prone to allergies. An ideal option is therefore to ensure cleaner indoor air that is safe for everyone. Reduction of allergens and dirt in the air is best done by an air purifier. Air purifiers clean indoor air and reduce the likelihood of people getting diseases caused by bad air quality.

How to Buy an Air Purifier

Consider the appearance of the unit. This includes the size, portability and the visual appeal of an air purifier. Look for a unit size that suits your area and you are most comfortable with. You may not want to cramp your house with an air purifier that is almost as big and bulky as your bedroom. Consider also the portability of the unit so you can take it with you wherever room you are in. Visual presentation of the device should also match most of your indoor area so it harmonizes with the interior theme and design.

Evaluate the noise level. Look for a unit that does not produce too much irritating noise and one that cleans the air silently. A good air purifier does not only reduce indoor air pollution but causes less noise and disturbance as well.

Check the product specification. You can compare air purifiers by checking the Clean Air Delivery Rating (CADR). A higher CADR means stronger purification power. You should also check the filter specifications because HEPA filter should be able to filter at least 99.97% of air pollutants of 0.3 micrometers in size. Products marked with "HEPA-type" or "HEPA-like" may not meet this standard. Consider also the frequency of filter replacement because the filter itself is expensive and frequent filter replacements may become too costly and burdensome.

Air purifier is not just a luxurious item that your family can live without. In places where dusts, smokes and other allergens can result to bad health conditions, an air purifier is the best option to ensure good air quality and good health.

Jeff Dodd is an accomplished writer with extensive knowledge in health and allergies. For more information on Air Purifier, just visit us at http://www.air-purifier-review-world.com

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffery_Dodd

Allergy - Natural Herbs for Allergies- Your Plan B?

Have you been considering natural herbs for allergies? Natural medicines and alternative treatments are gaining in popularity not only for allergies but for many other ailments. Many of today's medicines cause side effects that can be as dangerous or uncomfortable as the symptoms you are trying to treat in the first place.

The typical treatments for allergies usually revolve around antihistamines and decongestants. Antihistamines are well known for making you drowsy. I have found that Benadryl does help to manage my allergies but I often find myself choosing which one to use because if I use some of the ones with higher levels of antihistamines I don't want to drive. I can get that sleepy. Decongestants on the other hand can lead to higher blood pressure. This is especially dangerous if you have a heart condition.

Thankfully you may be able to treat your allergies in a more holistic way. Natural herbs for allergies can be the answer and can actually help to prevent the symptoms before they start. This can be an effective way to manage many of the seasonal allergies that are common today.

What Should You Do First?

Modifying your lifestyle before diving into any treatment is a good idea. Even natural herbs for allergies can cause problems or interact with other medications. What can you do to reduce your allergy symptoms?

  • Keep windows closed
  • Use air conditioning
  • Stay Indoors

Airborne allergies like pollen can be controlled by doing the above. At night it is important to control your environment since many times people have trouble sleeping because of their allergy symptoms. If these approaches are not providing you with the allergy relief you need it may be time to try natural herbs for allergies.

Natural Herbs to Try

Before trying any of these natural herbs for allergies please consult your physician. Herbs can have side effects too, and they can also dangerously interact with other medicines. Natural herbs that have been known to help alleviate allergy symptoms include:

  • Stinging Nettle
  • Butterbur
  • Quercetin

Stinging Nettle works as a natural antihistamine without the drowsiness. This herb reduces the histamine production of the body. The immune system triggers the production of histamine which is the chemical produced by the antibodies in the body. The immune system in case of allergies has mistakenly identified your allergen as something that is harmful which is why the histamine is produced. Histamines are also responsible for the allergy symptoms like coughing, runny nose and watery eyes. When your body cannot produce as many histamines your symptoms are reduced too. Natural food and vitamin stores are a good place to find Stinging Nettle.

There are other natural herbs for allergies that work like Stinging Nettle to reduce the body's ability to produce histamines. Butterbur is one that is harder to find here in the U.S. but may be worth tracking down. Quercetin is another good natural herb for allergies. It also has the added benefit of acting as a natural antioxidant that can reduce the risk of some types of cancer.

Advances are being made every day on different ways of treating and preventing allergies. Allergies have become so common that it is rare that someone in the family is not affected. Natural herbs for allergies can be your Plan B when you can't get the relief you need from over the counter treatments or when the side effects of using the standard antihistamines and decongestants are too dangerous for you. Ask your doctor, he may be able to recommend even more options than those we have given you above.

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