True HEPA Air Purifers Truly Are Superior

By Heath Plunger

You will probably see items that are labeled "True" HEPA if you shop for HEPA air purifiers. So, I'm sure you're wondering, does that mean there's a false one? Of course you would never find a product that boldly proclaimed to be a sub-standard HEPA air purifier, but to be called a True HEPA air purifier, there are some differences. As with any other purchase, it's left to the consumer to figure out the differences and know if they need to look for one or the other. Let's examine True HEPA air purifiers and why some products may not claim this.

True HEPA Air Purifiers Are Different

A True HEPA air purifier, also known as an absolute HEPA air purifier, is different even from other HEPA air purifiers. When companies reference the effectiveness of HEPA air purifiers as stated by government entities such as the EPA and OSHA, they are generally referring to the True type, even if they do not blatantly say so. Although there are other types of air purifiers out there, True HEPA air purifiers are the only ones that are used in sensitive areas such as hospitals and laboratories.

True HEPA Air Purifiers Stop Particles Of DOOM

Of the different specifications that True HEPA air purifiers have to meet, the most important is probably the 97% of all 0.3 micron particles. This stat is incredibly important, and not as technical as it may sound. Of all the different pollutants floating around out there, it's been found that 0.3 micron particles generally are the hardest to filter, even including those that are smaller. They also are the most likely to cause problems in the human body, and have no problem scooting right past our natural defenses. See, 0.3 micron particles are more scary than nerdy, aren't they? If you want an idea of the size we're talking about, compare 0.3 microns to the human hair. Human hair is generally anywhere between 70 and 100 microns thick.

True HEPA Air Purifiers Actually Work Better When Dirty

This part of our discussion is where you will see both the main difference between true HEPA air purifiers and others and also where the terms "Absolute" and "True" become one and the same. Designed to be more effective dirty than when clean, the absolute filtration system's trapped particles will actually increase the power of the true HEPA air purifier's filtration. Very simple in reality, the explanation is that the spaces for the the air to pass becomes smaller as the dirt builds up.

Is There A Way To Tell If A HEPA Air Purifier Is True?

Look for products that actually advertise that they are True HEPA air purifiers. The alternative is the HEPA-type air purifier, which is really just an imitation, and is not held to any particular standard. If you find a purifier that doesn't say either HEPA-type or True HEPA, you can also reference other specifications on the box. Look for one that filters 97% or more of the 0.3 micron particles if you want a True HEPA air purifier. - 30286

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Can One Still Procure An Ionic Air Purifier Somewhere?

By Irene Polaski

Many of us remember The Sharper Image and their stores that were in many major cities. As is normal with store closures, most people that knew of those retail outlets probably think that ionic air purifiers are no longer obtainable. This is not necessarily the case, although ionic air purifiers sold under then name "The Sharper Image" are no longer being manufactured. If you're looking for an ionic air purifier, you have a few options.

Ionic Pro Ionic Air Purifier

The Ionic Pro works much like the Ionic Breeze from Sharper Image did, but is quite a bit cheaper. The maintenance, or lack thereof, is the same. When it starts buzzing lightly, remove the filter element, wipe it off, and replace it. That's really all there is to it. Since it doesn't use a fan, it's more energy efficient and quieter than a HEPA air purifier, although less effective. Still, if you're looking for a cheap way to clean a 500 ft room without having yet another noisemaker in your home, this ionic air purifier might be a good choice for you.

Generic Ionic Air Purifiers

There are also other ionic air purifiers that don't have any branding at all. These are generally available for around a hundred dollars, and can be found in dollar or bargain stores as well as some websites. Be wary of a lack of warranty though as whatever return policy the retailer has may be your only safety net if it doesn't work right. However, these cheap off brands can be considered at least somewhat safe since the tech that they use is pretty simple.

Noisy Ionic Air Purifiers

Generally speaking, an ionic air purifier doesn't use a moving fan. Instead, it will use the motion of the air particles that are magnetically pulled toward the machine to create a very slight breeze. Consumer Reports did not feel that this was enough, however, and only certified one that did use a fan. This might not work for some people, though, since they may be considering an ionic air purifier simply because it is silent, even though it's less effective. The advantage of cheaper, filterless maintenance still stands, though.

Buying A HEPA Air Purifier Instead

Instead of an ionic air purifier, you may want to purchase a HEPA air purifier. The main difference lies in the maintenance and filtration. With a HEPA air purifier, you have a filter element that needs to be thrown away every so often and replaced, sort of like your air conditioner. With an ionic air purifier, you have no filters since the offending pollutants just get stuck to the cleanable bar that can just be wiped off. HEPA air purifiers are widely accepted to be more effective than ionic air purifiers, however. - 30286

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Kinds, Immediate Causes and Prevention of Allergy Asthma

By Henry Lewis

Asthma is a disorder impacting on the airways of the lungs. Replying to certain triggers the mucous surfaces of the lungs of a patient swell up causing the bronchial tubes to go into spasm. This makes breathing complicated. The muscles may tighten up and inappropriate mucus might be produced leading to trouble breathing and panting. Unlike any other respiration conditions like protracted bronchitis and obstructive pulmonary illness, the redness due to asthma is reversible and often replies well to medicine.

There are basically two types of asthma:

1. Intrinsic - occurring as a result of an infection or later in life.

2. Extrinsic - caused by allergies.

Common allergens include several food types which can result in an immediate asthmatic response. These include seafood, nuts and eggs. While other foods such as wheat, chocolate and certain food coloring and additives may result in a delayed response. Asthma may also be triggered by allergy to dust mites, pollen, dust, insect sprays or other pollutants.

The degree of severity of asthma varies widely, with some patients suffering only occasional symptoms while others may have a constant underlying level of inflammation and consequent impairment of breathing.

Evidence of protracted underlying asthma include difficulty breathing during exercise, persistent cough and the continuing urge to clear the throat, tightness of chest and panting. Exacerbation of asthma can lead to what's typically called an asthma attack. In this example the patient experiences trouble breathing even during rest, fast heart beat, puffing and chest constriction, rhonchus or loud respiring and coughing. Depending on seriousness of the assault air intake be could be so limited the patient may turn blue and even lose consciousness.

Info about causes and the development of asthma is some distance from complete. studies appear to suggest that it is closely linked with the body's immunological responses. Incidence is understood to change noticeably between racial groups, wealthy and poorer areas of the planet and also based totally on environmental components for example. Research has demonstrated links with the following :

Exposure to tobacco smoke seems to be related to higher prevalence of asthma

Kids born through caesarean section seem to have noticeably higher levels of asthma than those born by vaginal delivery. It is said this is due to assorted levels of bacterial exposure during delivery and it's result on development of the immunological system.

Extreme levels of environmental contaminants have also been associated with higher incidence.

Stress has long been suspected of triggering asthma. It is hypothesized that stress may affect the functioning of the immune system and therefore indirectly influence the incidence of asthma.

Regular exposure to antibiotics particularly at a young age as well as being raised in an intolerably hygienic environment, to explain not being exposed to the common adolescence breathing infections etc may leave the immunological response compromised and lead to larger possibility of developing asthma. On the other hand evidence implies that children who grow up in bigger families and are exposed to the common infancy sicknesses are way more resilient when it comes round to keeping asthma in check.

Treatment and control over asthma may involve a couple of approaches including life changes, medication and dietary changes and include :

Eliminating or reducing exposure to the trigger factors in the the environment or diet.

Giving up smoking and avoiding exposure to 2nd hand smoke.

Reducing or eliminating dairy products from diet as dairy products promote the production of mucus.

Medicine including short term or long-term Bronchodilators could be used to deal with bronchospasms related to asthma.

Vitamin C and Cod liver oil could also be used to reduce seriousness of reactions and redness. - 30286

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Methods To Get Rid Of Asthma

By Eddy Kong

Getting rid of your asthma may not be as easy as you think; in fact it's not possible to totally rid yourself of this condition. Since asthma is a chronic disease; meaning recurring and long lasting, there is no cure for it. No medication has been developed that will totally eliminate this condition. But with the advances in medical technology a lot of effective medicines have been produced and methods introduced that help asthmatics deal with their condition.

Even if there is no cure for asthma, there is another thing that asthmatics can count on - control. Having total control or near total control over your asthma allows you to leave your life more freely without worrying about having asthma attacks. Of course, you can't go running around asthma triggers. That's just asking for it. Achieving control can take months, or even years. This will require persistence, perseverance, and patience as this will require you to understand everything about your own condition and its triggers. You have to have the will to stick to your medication long enough to achieve control.

Along with regular medication, there are therapies and exercises safe enough to try for dealing with asthma. Breathing techniques such as the Buteyko Method, Papworth, and Pranayama have all done wonders. They have had their share of clinical trials and have been proven to work despite the lack of medicine involved. Besides these three, there are other techniques you may want to try out. Some of them really work but science cannot explain why. Remember to do your own research before using those methods and ask a second opinion from your doctor.

There are alternative medications and home remedies out there as well. The most popular is the herbal medicines. If you would like to try them out, do some research first. Most of them have not passed FDA standards and may have adverse side effects; not to mention they're probably a scam. Not all home remedies should be avoided, though. Safe ones include, but are not limited to, coffee, honey, and ginger. To be perfectly sure, research.

Controlling your asthma is not a joke. It can take a lot of time and effort before any improvement can be seen. Live your life as healthy as you can. A lot of people have learned to control their asthma. You can too. - 30286

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4 Asthma Symptoms That You Should Be Aware When Exercising

By Johnson Star

Asthma is delicate and unpredictable condition. Episodes of asthma can quickly manifest, sometimes without warning. For those interested in engaging in physical activities, asthma can drive them to frustration. We all know the importance of exercise, whether you are an asthmatic or not.

Doctors never advise asthmatics that they should stop exercising. In fact, it is encouraged. Exercise promotes general well being and strengthens immunity to inhaled allergens. The problem is that asthma attack can occur out of exercising, which is supposed to be beneficial for them. Exercise induced asthma is one of the reasons why a lot of asthmatics avoid physical activities.

There are ways that asthmatics can still do your workouts without having to worry about your asthma. Having the knowledge of various symptoms and being proactive enough when your run to these symptoms, it is possible to prevent them from becoming a full blown asthma attack. Here are some of the exercise induced asthma symptoms that you should be aware of:

Chest pains: Chest tightness and sharp chest pains are some of the most common asthma symptoms. When you exercise, this is usually what you would feel first. This symptom is often followed by a feeling of numbness to other parts of the body. If you feel your chest getting a little heavy during exercise, stop for a moment and take your medication. Postponing your workout would be a good idea. Scheduling your workout as an every other day affair is better.

Lightheadedness: This tells you that your body cannot keep up with the activities that you are currently doing. Tone down your regimen a little or pause for a few minute breaks in between to rest. To be on the safe side, keep your medications close, and take them if you see fit.

Persistent coughing: Coughing is a strong signal that you are going to be soon out of breath. Coughing during workouts can only mean one thing: you are not getting enough air due to your airways becoming narrowed. This happens when airborne particles get in contact with the lungs, or you just exerted too much force that you put a little strain on your body. Keep in mind that if your body can't keep up with what you're doing, it will shut down on you to put your activity to a stop.

Wheezing: Wheezing is the most obvious sign that you are starting to have an asthma attack, whether you're exercising or not. When you start whistling involuntarily, immediately drop whatever you are doing and observer your condition. Take a puff from your inhaler if you see fit. It would be safe to continue your workout another day. Sometimes you can resume once the wheezing stops.

Monitor your body closely during exercising so as to avoid unwelcome asthma attacks. Do not push your body to the limits, as the next bed you may be sleeping in would be a hospital bed. - 30286

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Benefits Of Different Breathing Methods For Asthmatics

By Jamie Sue Tan

With the increasing number of children getting affected with asthma every year, the condition has gained more and more attention from the masses. Asthma is a chronic lung condition characterized by the tightening of the chest muscles, inflammation of the lung linings, and accumulation of mucus. The constriction of the airways allows little air to pass through; making it hard to breathe. Asthma is defined in a number of ways. You can find information in allergic asthma, bronchial asthma, and cardiac asthma on the web. While the names may be different, all of them work the same way.

A lot of sites on the internet contain information on drugs and therapies claiming to "cure" asthma. To make it perfectly clear, asthma can be controlled to a point where it is almost nonexistent, but that doesn't mean that its not there or it has been cured. It can still resurface if left unmonitored and untreated; there is no cure for it. But not having a cure does not mean that you won't be able to achieve relief from this condition as well.

There are a lot of alternative medication, therapies, herbal products, and home remedies that you can possibly try. The only setback with alternatives is that you are not assured of safety. Since most of the herbal products do not pass FDA regulation, side effects are rarely listed and fewer pharmacological companies mention or place it in the labels. Some of the home remedies on the other hand have scientific explanations behind what makes them effective and others would just seem to have irrational and ridiculous rationalization as to why they are effective against the condition.

Alternative medicine is not evidence-based, so they are not generally trusted by the people who have been used to mainstream medicine. Actually, not all alternative methods are bad. Breathing exercises boast three effective techniques, namely Papworth, Buteyko, and Pranayama, which negate the use of inhalers.

Learning how to breathe correctly can improve your condition without the fear of having any side effects. You can start on your own or you can ask for professional help to get more out of every session. With practice and mastery, a lot of clinical trial result shows general improvement in the condition of asthmatics, lowering attacks and medication intake. If you are interested in taking any of the breathing exercises that are being offered, you can search the internet or your local library for more information. Just remember to notify your doctor first before starting; they can give you more advice on what you need to look out for and how you will be able to get the most out of it. - 30286

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Asthma Herbal Remedies That Completely Works

By Jonathan Park

The increasing number of herbal remedies is both good and bad news to the consuming public. The good news is, there are more choices for individuals, and the prices will go down because of the competition. The bad news is, the large number of new products makes it difficult to tell which ones are effective and which one are to be avoided. The slightest miscalculation of the formula in herbal medicines and the confusion with the name (since Chinese give similar sounding names to different products) can result in a poisoned asthmatic.

While there is no doubt about the ability of herbs to help promote physical wellbeing and strengthen immunity, more and more cases of hospitalization due to side effects from certain herbal products have somewhat scarred its image. But it would be unfair to generalize as some herbal products can really help you achieve the long term relief and greater control that you yearn for. Here are a few examples of those safe, effective, and proven asthma herbal remedies:

Cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper is widely recognized as a cooking ingredient or a condiment. The truth is, it is actually regarded as one of the purest and oldest in the herb kingdom. Cayenne contains capsaicin which promotes circulation to any organ it comes into contact with. It helps break down mucus in the lungs and prevents inflammation. If you are open to making a choice with alternative medications for asthma, you can not go wrong with cayenne.

Ginger: Ginger is another kitchen mainstay. It is one of the most common and widely used herbal remedies in the world. People in India, as well as in most parts of Asia, have been using ginger to treat different kinds of illnesses, including asthma. Science has also attested to the fact that ginger has medicinal qualities. The active components found in ginger acts both as an expectorant, and a bronchodilator during asthma attacks.

Chamomile: Chamomile extracts called terpenoids have anti-inflammatory properties and can help you prevent other respiratory problems because of the large amounts of antioxidants it contains. If the name sounds familiar but you can't really put your finger on it, chamomile is popular in tea form. Taken daily, it helps boost your immune system, and it's also delicious.

If you have noticed, not all of the herbal alternatives out there are dangerous. Most of them are quite common and you may be surprised to find more just sitting in your own kitchen. Do more research of your own and you can find the herbal treatments that will do wonders for you. - 30286

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