Air Purifier News: Asthma Sufferers - Are Drug Companies Ripping You Off?

Asthma is a chronic illness that involves the respiratory system in which the airway occasionally constricts, becomes inflamed, and is lined with excessive amounts of mucus, often in response to one or more triggers. It is estimated that roughly 5 percent of the American population suffers from asthma, with most sufferers taking some sort of medication to alleviate their symptoms. These drugs can come in the form of short-active, selective beta-adrenoceptor agonists such as Salbutamol; adrenergic agonists such as Epinephrine; Anticholinergic such as Ipratropium Bromide; antihistamines, and inhaled glucocorticoids, the most widely used of asthma prevention medications, which come as inhaler devices.

Americans spend billions of dollars on these types of asthma medications, and some argue that this is a shortsighted and self-serving approach to treating the illness. Unfortunately, drug companies often reap huge profits from the sale of such medications, and the central issue that humans will perpetually have health problems is ignored. While it cannot be argued that asthma medication can play a key role in gaining control of asthma symptoms, simple lifestyle changes can oftentimes produce very profound improvements in one's ability to breathe.

Diet changes can be helpful, and increasing one's intake of fatty acids such those found in fish, nuts, seeds, and flaxseed oil supplements can help reduce swelling in the lungs. Antioxidants are also important: because asthma is an inflammatory disease, the free radicals produced in the body can wreck havoc on the body and do a great deal of damage. Supplements containing vitamin C and E can help break up mucus in the lungs and boost the immune system.

Asthma treatment should also focus on avoiding asthma triggers such as dust and dander. Monitoring daily asthma symptoms in an asthma diary and peak flows with daily tests are also good ideas. Successful asthma treatment can include medication, but this should be limited to medication that controls inflammation and prevents chronic symptoms such as coughing and breathlessness, as well as quick-relief medication that is taken when asthma attacks occur.

Leading asthma and allergy physicians have also recommended the use of furnace filters for particulate control. These are disposal, high efficiency furnace filters that are capable of turning a home's heating and air conditioning systems into "whole house filters." They have the ability to filter out 90% of small particles found in homes, and at around 30 dollars, they are very affordable. For increased protection against asthma attacks, also consider using an air purifier. The CDC and EPA both recommend the use of HEPA filtration to remove asthma-triggering particulates. These air purifiers can be had for less than 100 dollars for a small, desktop model, with pricier models starting at around 300 dollars for whole house filtration.