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Does Air Conditioner Help Asthma

What Triggers Asthma In Your Home

How Does a Central Air Conditioner Work? HVAC Repair Tips

Asthma can be a serious illness, and an asthma attack can be terrifying for someone to experience or witness. Asthma causes constriction of the airway passages, and symptoms range from wheezing and coughing to difficulty breathing. Asthma attacks are often triggered by allergic reactions to things such as particulates from air pollution, pollen, animal dander, and even dust mites. If you have windows that are open in the house, you are allowing outside allergens to enter your home. By running a quality air conditioning system in your home, you can restrict outside airflow and reduce those nasty allergens.

Is Your Air Conditioner Affecting Your Asthma And Allergies

National Asthma Week 1 7th September

At HydroKleen Australia, we pride ourselves on our ongoing exclusive partnership with National Asthma Council Australias Sensitive Choice Program.

This Sensitive Choice program aims to help millions of consumers worldwide make choices that help them live better with asthma and allergies.

National Asthma Week is held annually from 1st 7th September to promote awareness of asthma to the general population and highlights ways to help people manage asthma.

According to National Asthma Council Australia, over 2.7 million Australians have asthma and one in three Australians are affected by allergies. Similar numbers would be the case across the world. Some common allergy related triggers are mould, bacteria, house dust mites, pollens and pet dander.

We spend so much time on cleaning carpets, bedding and bathrooms in order to get a healthy and hygienic environment, yet neglect the single most concentrated source of airborne contaminants in a room, the Air Conditioner.

Keeping your air conditioner free from microbial pollutants such as mould and bacteria will reduce the pollutants in the air at your home or work environment, which would otherwise be a trigger for asthma and allergies.

A HydroKleen of your air conditioner will remove microbial pollutants, such as:

The HydroKleen team always have your health and safety in mind and practise COVID-19 Safety procedures and requirements.

How To Prevent Mold From Growing

Clean the drain pans. When the drain pans are dirty, and they do not drain properly, they can be the ideal place for mold to grow. To prevent this ensure that the pans are always clean. Inspect them regularly to avoid buildup of debris and water.

Regularly replace the filter. When you are using an old and dirty filter, it does not trap particles, and they spread throughout the house. Ensure you replace the filter at least once every month and ensure that it fits snugly with no gaps around it. Changing the filter also gives you a chance to identify mold growing in you air conditioner.

Ensure the ducts are clean and dry. Wet and dirty ducts offer an ideal ground to grow mold. Clean the ducts and ensure they are dry. Identify the source of water to prevent the problem from recurring.

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How Does An Air Conditioner Help With Asthma

Allergens such as dust mites and mold spores thrive in warm, moist environments. By turning on your air and keeping it on, youll reduce the amount of these irritants in the air. Your AC unit eliminates these pesky asthma triggers by cooling the air to a temperature where they cant survive. It also pulls moisture from the air, keeping the allergens moist breeding grounds at bay.

With your AC unit running, your air will be circulating constantly. Air that does not circulate becomes a prime place for dust mites, fungus, and mold to grow. Some AC units work poorly and can cause an entire room or floor of your house to become infested with irritants.

Your AC systems main defense against asthma triggers lies in the filter. Having the right filter can make all the difference. Not only do filters improve overall indoor air quality, they catch particles that cause asthma problems. Choose the correct filter as recommended by the manufacturer of your particular heating and cooling system.

Can Cold Air Cause An Asthma Attack

Can Air Duct Cleaning Help Asthma Sufferers?

If your asthma is severe and cold air is a trigger, then you are at risk for an asthma attack in cold weather. Consult your Asthma Action Plan to manage asthma in cold weather. You should always seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

To keep cold air from causing an asthma flare:

  • Keep your mouth and nose shielded with a scarf to warm the air before you breathe it in.
  • Use a short-acting albuterol inhaler at the first sign of symptoms to keep asthma from worsening.
  • Stay inside as often as you can. Breathing warmer air will help open up your airways. Just make sure youre inside a place with no indoor allergens and irritants.
  • If you experience symptoms frequently in cold weather, talk with your doctor about a long-term treatment plan.
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    Ways Air Conditioning Improves Asthma Symptoms

    Fall is just around the corner, but for those living in the Nacogdoches, Texas, area, the heat is still on. When you combine the still-lingering summer heat with humidity and autumn allergens, many asthma sufferers are at risk. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help prevent asthma issues. One of the largest weapons in your asthma-fighting arsenal is your air conditioner.

    Asthma And Summer Heat

    As with hay fever, heat aggravates the symptoms of asthma. This is mainly due to an increase in humidity and a more frequent absence of wind, both of which increase the pollen level and promote the build-up of summer smog.

    Some advice:

    • Drink plenty of water to prevent dryness of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tracts. Tomato juice, milk, broth and fruit juice are also allowed, but limit your consumption of alcohol, tea or coffee.
    • Avoid unnecessary exertion. Do not play sports at temperatures greater than 30°C. Also avoid smog, smoke and anything that may irritate your airways.
    • Avoid the heat and seek out cool places. Apply a cold towel to the back of your neck from time to time, stay in the shade and keep your home cool.
    • Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen and ask if you can increase your doses of medication.
    • Does your child suffer from asthma? Never leave him/her alone at home or in the car in hot weather.

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    Is Asthma Triggered By Cold Air

    When someone with asthma breathes in cold, dry air, it can make the muscles inside start to spasm while also trying to keep airways open. This further irritates the lining of the airways and causes coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

    Cold air can trigger asthma symptoms and flare-ups, especially when theres dryness in cold air. For many people with asthma, its the dryness in cold air that can lead to breathing problems. Cold air accompanied by windy conditions can also trigger symptoms. In general, the more severe your asthma is, the more likely cold air is to affect you.

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    Can Air Conditioning Trigger Asthma

    How To Clean an Air Conditioner

    For very many years now, it has become general knowledge that the combination of cold air and humidity leads to the swelling of the trachea and the voice box. Asthma patients usually have very sensitive airways and may find that when the North Carolina summer temperatures soar, along with the humidity levels, their asthma signs begin to act up and worsen.

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    How Can Air Conditioning Help Asthma Sufferers

    Asthma is mainly triggered by mould, pollen, and animal dander . These particles float around in the air and breathing them in is unavoidable. Where air conditioning systems can help significantly is to reduce the number of these particles present in offices and houses.

    All air conditioning have special filters that capture particles as the air is recycled through them. Some units are even designed eliminate the humidity that allows mould and algae to thrive much more rapidly then it could if it were living in dry air.

    Air conditioners work by pulling air into the unit. This air gets forced through filters then blasted back at the temperature of your choice. It works best when windows are closed and the building is well sealed. Every time the air is pasted through the air conditioning unit, more particles are captured.

    Other Air Quality Options

    There are many types of air cleaning and air quality options. Whole house ventilation systems help bring in fresh air while sending out stale, polluted air. These might be a good choice if you dont live in a large city where air pollution is a concern.

    Air filters are a line of defense you must use. Every filter is given a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value that compares different filter types and measures the size and the amount of particles a filter captures.

    Cheaper, fiberglass filters dont trap smaller irritants like pollen. At a minimum, you should choose a filter with a MERV of seven or more. Electronic air cleaners and HEPA filters are better at trapping contaminants.

    You might consider three-stage filtration. Youll have a typical filter as a pre-filter, a low-micron middle filter, and an electronic filter to kill mold. These add layers of protection and elimination to your asthma-fighting arsenal.

    Installing an ultraviolet light inside your HVAC systems can help reduce the amount of irritants in the air. These lights will kill spores, bacteria, mites, and other harmful organisms.

    Low humidity isnt typically an issue in our area, but having your homes humidity level too low can cause problems. Without enough moisture in the air, irritants stay floating in the air until someone breathes them in. Extra-dry air causes nasal irritation and sinus problems.

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    Is Air Conditioning Good For Asthma Patients

    Yes, the air conditioner is good for asthma patients. Air conditioners are designed to refresh the air and keep it cool and can also reduce humidity as well as airborne triggers. When an air conditioner can achieve these qualities, it lowers the chances of having an asthmatic attack and improves breathing.

    However, you should know that molds are the most likely to trigger asthma and it is a common habit of theirs to grow discreetly inside the air conditioners and will spread throughout your home once you switch them on. Therefore, to keep their growth in check, it is advisable to properly maintain your unit.

    Can Asthma Patients Sleep In Ac

    Has your air conditioner unit been acting up lately? Regular ...

    Yes, asthma patients can sleep in AC. Even though the AC unit does not filter air, it can also help asthmatic patients. When the air conditioner is on, it is normal practice to shut windows and doors for effective results. When these openings are shut, it keeps out irritants and allergens that could trigger asthma. Another way in which air conditioning can help asthmatic patients is when the room temperature changes from cold to warm. During this period, molds are usually ineffective and theres a very low possibility that they can trigger an attack.

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    Why Does Humidity Affect Asthma

    Humidity likely causes asthma symptoms because it triggers bronchoconstriction, which is a narrowing of the airways.

    Bronchoconstriction may occur because hot, humid air activates C fibers, which are sensory nerve fibers in the airways. Stimulation of C fibers may narrow the airways and stimulate coughing, which makes it difficult to breathe.

    High humidity levels create the perfect breeding ground for mold and dust mites, which often trigger asthma. Higher levels of humidity may also increase air pollution. For example, ozone, which is an air pollutant, rises when humidity levels increase.

    Increased levels of humidity also often mean higher temperatures. The highest humidity levels usually occur during the summer months. The combination of heat and humidity can irritate the airways making breathing more difficult.

    While it is not possible to control the weather and humidity levels outdoors, people can manage humidity-related asthma symptoms by:

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    How Can Air Conditioning Help Hay Fever Sufferers

    People with summer allergies such as hay fever know how disrupting it can be to everyday activities. With the pollen count higher in the spring and summer months it is essential to gain advice on solutions if you intensely suffer with hay fever.

    For the same reason air conditioning helps asthma sufferers, it can also help hay fever sufferers. Many sufferers find their symptoms are worse with desk or standing fans, this is because they are stirring up and moving the allergens around the room. With air conditioning units, allergens are circulated and trapped in the filters.

    Dust mites are one cause of allergies and are known to thrive in humid areas. This is reduced if the temperatures are kept lower and the way to do this is by installing air conditioning.

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    Which Ac Models Are Best For Breathing Considerations

    Well be honest: Air filter quality and cleanliness is the best way to ensure pure air. The specific model isnt quite as important. The brands of choice here at Blantons Air in North Carolina are Armstrong, Lennox, and Honeywell. All offer a variety of AC types that can suit the unique budget and needs of the consumer.

    As the consumer, you should know the different types of air conditioner filters available. Fiberglass filters are inexpensive and disposable. They do a great job at protecting your unit, but they arent as efficient in purifying air. Pleated filters, which are made from polyester and/or cotton are better at trapping respiratory disrupters. There are also washable air filters, which can be a smart choice for the eco-conscious consumer, as they create less waste over time. A HEPA filter traps the greatest percentage of particles, although there is differing opinion on whether they reduce the efficiency of the air conditioners other functions, due to the excess amount of dust, mold spores, and other objects in the filter.

    The best advice for consumers is to talk to a HVAC specialist about your challenges, needs, and desires for an air filtering system.

    How Running The Air Conditioner Can Reduce Asthma Symptoms

    How Air Conditioning Works

    Many of the triggers for asthma symptoms come from dirty outside air that has been brought in by having your doors and windows open. While it may be refreshing to have outside air coming in, if there is pollen or dust blowing, this can be devastating to someone with asthma. Keep the doors and windows closed tightly, and run the air conditioner if there is smoke, dust, pollen, and other pollutants in the outside air.

    The air conditioner recirculates indoor air and that air must go through a filtration system before it is circulated through the ductwork. If you have kept your home clean of dirt and dust, the air coming from the air conditioner will be much cleaner and easier to breathe than outside air.

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    Air Temperature And Moisture

    Another reason stepping outside for air might help is the temperature and moisture content of the air. For example, if the air inside your house or in another building is very dry and warm, going outside to cooler air might feel good for your lungs. Being inside a humid gym or a cold grocery store may also trigger your asthma in which case leaving the building and going outside might make you feel better. This truly just depends on what type of air and moisture content is a trigger for you.

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    How Air Conditioners Cause Asthma

    Many physicians have come out to warn people against spending long hours in air-conditioned rooms to avoid triggering asthma attacks. As your air conditioner operates, it blows the small particles in the air which you later inhale unknowingly. Continuous running of the HVAC system triggers the growth of mold on surfaces of the home and subsequently leading to allergies, pneumonia and other respiratory infections.

    It is worth noting that regular HVAC maintenance is significant. A clean and sufficiently running AC ensure that air being blown is cold and fresh. Humidity control, proper filtration and adequate ventilation all contribute to healthy indoor air quality.

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    The Health Risks Of Air Conditioning

  • Air conditioning can harm your health because it can lead to respiratory problems. The cold, dry air from air conditioning units can cause respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. It can also increase the risk of chest infections.
  • Air conditioning can also increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The cold, dry air from air conditioning units can cause the body to lose heat quickly, leading to a drop in blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. If you have preexisting heart conditions, speaking with your doctor before using an air conditioner is essential, as the risks may outweigh the benefits.
  • Air conditioning can cause skin problems, such as dry skin and eczema. The cold, dry air from air conditioners can cause the skin to lose moisture, leading to dry skin and eczema. In addition, constant exposure to artificial light and low humidity can disrupt the skins natural barrier function, making it more susceptible to irritation and inflammation. If you suffer from skin problems, try to limit your exposure to air conditioning units as much as possible. And be sure to keep your skin hydrated by applying lotion regularly.
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    How Air Filters Help Reduce Summer Asthma Symptoms

    How to help with asthma symptoms breathe clean air indoors

    Air conditioning also relieves asthma symptoms by removing particles from indoor air. To be sure your AC is cleaning as many particles from the air as possible, make sure the unit is fitted with a high quality filter, or a high efficiency air cleaner. The American College of Asthma, Allergies, and Immunology recommends that homeowners turn their HVAC system into a filtration system for the entire home by fitting a disposable filter to the air conditioning unit. A good quality, well-fitted air cleaner type filter removes dust, pet dander, pollen, and spores from the air. For the most effective indoor air pollution control, the ACAAI advises homeowners to replace a disposable filter around every three months. A good quality air filter that’s effective at removing allergens from indoor air must fit perfectly inside the air conditioning unit and meet a minimum MERV rating. If a filter doesn’t fit exactly in the unit, the filtering will be inefficient. When replacing an air filter, measure the current filter to find the correct dimensions and a MERV rating between 8 and 13.

    Summer asthma can make life uncomfortable, but sufferers can find relief at home with the help of good quality air conditioning. To speak to an expert about how you can upgrade your air conditioning system, contact .

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