|
seasonal allergies
Seasonal allergies don't just bring sneezing and itchy eyes. Sometimes they include chest congestion, a symptom that can be frightening. Don't worry. Treating the chest congestion caused by seasonal allergies is simple and effective. Below are six effective ways to treat chest congestion caused by any type of seasonal allergy.
Prevention
This is a good first step. If at all possible, keep doors and windows closed to keep the allergens out. Take a shower and change your clothes if you've been exposed to allergens.
Medication
Over the counter expectorants will help loosen the congestion and allow you to move it out of your system. There are several brands on the market and your pharmacist will be able to recommend a good one.
Steam
A hot shower may be just the thing when it comes to congestion. Turn the water on as hot as you can stand and breathe in the steam. If you don't want to take a shower, closing the door and letting the hot water fill the bathroom with steam can be just as effective.
Rest
Treat yourself well. Take a nap and give your tired lungs a chance to rest.
Hydration
Take in plenty of fluids. Proper hydration is important for allergy sufferers.
Doctor
See your doctor if these steps don't help. You may need to see an allergy specialist for further treatment.
People are affected by many different types of seasonal allergies. It's important to understand exactly what you're allergic to so you can limit its effect on your body.
written by expert - Tim Bock
Can Air Purifiers provide relief from mold and mildew allergies - ?
I used to start sneezing, sniffling and asthma from mold and mildew exposure (although my allergies also included dust, pollen, and pets). Shots at the allergist and medications were a weekly routine. I began to experiment with air purifiers and air cleaners of all kinds at age 11. When allergic to mold you'll try anything for relief.
Thirty years of experience has given me a lot of experience with air purifiers and mold problems. The following represent the primary types of air purification, with a quick rating on their effectiveness for mold and mildew allergies.
Electrostatic Plates
An electrostatic machine is basically a machine with positive and negatively charged plates. Oreck may call these plates "Truman Cell" (maybe it stands for Harry Truman??) but they're most often called "ionic" or "electrostatic". Works for pollution since carbon from car exhaust is charged, and they are washable but since most pollen and dust carries little charge however they are not effective for pollen or dust or mold FOR MOLD & MILDEW ALLERGIES: RATED POOR
HEPA Filters
The 1st choice for allergies like pollen and dust HEPA traps and holds pollen and dust. Allergists recommend it most. The downside = you have to replace it every year or so. It will remove mold spores to reduce the spread of mold but will not kill mold or mildew. If you include HEPA find affordable replacement filters as some companies can soak you after you own their Hepa air purifier. Avoid the expensive air purifiers like IQAIR ($and Austin Air which are primarily HEPA and forget about them for mold & mildew. They're over-priced for a HEPA filter, and even though they are well made you can find better mold air purifiers for less than $300. MOLD & MILDEW ALLERGIES: RATED FAIR (removes mold spores only)
Ozone Producing Air Purifier Machines
Ozone, which is isimply Oxygen with an added particle of oxygen (o3), works for odor, mold, and mildew, but is not good for gathering pollen and dust. Too much ozone will irritate the lungs, especially in asthmatics. Ozone machines did little for allergies. Today's primary Ozone brand is Ecoquest (formerly Alpine). MOLD & MILDEW ALLERGIES: RATED EXCELLENT FOR MOLD AND MILDEW REMOVAL, BUT DANGEROUS TO LUNGS.
Ionizers Air Purifiers
Ionizers put negative ions into the air. Will kill some forms of mildew, pollution, and odor, but not very good for pollen or dust since there is nothing to collect the pollen in the air. MOLD & MILDEW ALLERGIES: RATED FAIR
Carbon and/or Zeolite
Primarily for smoke, chemicals, odors and fumes since these organic minerals absorb and trap gases. Not effective in any way for mold or mildew. But they do not trap dust and pollen. MOLD & MILDEW ALLERGIES: RATED POOR
Ultraviolet (UV) Air Purifiers
UV (ultraviolet light) and Tio2 ( Titanium dioxide - nanotechnology) are used by hospitals and dentists because they kill bacteria, germs, and mold/mildew. UV light has a frequency which kills micro-organisms and hence is effective for mold, while Tio2 magnifies UV light up to 1000 times MOLD & MILDEW ALLERGIES: RATED EXCELLENT AND SAFE.
So: Should You Buy A "UV ONLY" AIR PURIFIER?
I would avoid UV only air purifiers and get a combination of UV, Tio2, HEPA and Ion. That's because you can find many air purifiers for $200-300 using a combination of these technologies to do an effective job on mold and mildew, plus clean the air completely.
written by expert - Mark E Richardson
|
