Can air purifiers aid my allergy prevention at home?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a dust allergy. Recently, I had a wheezing problem for a few days that even Asthalin could not help, which I used mildly a few times a year. After a few days of Doxolin and other tablets, I was relieved.

My city air quality index (AQI) is around 80 to 100 a week; I traveled to two cities where AQI ranges from 100 to 170 and stayed for three weeks. What precautions should I take? Now that it is winter as well, my colleague suggests bringing down humidity using room heaters, which could help. Is that true?

Should I buy a room heater or travel air purifier? Are they effective at all? I have to be choosy as they all add weight to luggage. I have attached two prescriptions that I have taken in the last two months.

Kindly guide.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

I have gone through the attachments you have provided. (attachment removed to protect patient identity). The possibility of asthma and allergic rhinitis is more likely. So, it is better to consult a pulmonologist in person and have a clinical examination and PFT (pulmonary function test).

Treatment of asthma is based on severity, which is determined by PFT. The best treatment is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). A heater and humidifier are both useful in your case. Actually, the purposes of both are different. If pollution is high, then the purifier will be more beneficial. And for winter, the heater is beneficial.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If you have pollution then you should definitely buy a purifier. For you, it will be better if you can avoid. May I know which city and profession you are talking about?

Thank you.