? Pollens originate from plants.
? Household pets are sources of dander, hair, and saliva. In addition, there is a protein in the urine of rats and mice that is a potent allergen when it dries and becomes airborne.
? Viruses and bacteria are transmitted by people, animals, and even plant and soil debris.
? Central heating and air conditioning systems when contaminated can become a perfect breeding ground for mildew, molds, and other biological contaminants.
? Too much humidity in the home can also contribute to the growth of some biological allergens.
? All homes contain house dust mites, but how many mites there are depends on cleanliness and the amount of moisture in the air.

Allergic reactions triggered by airborne allergens can cause allergic rhinitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and some types of asthma. The most easily recognized symptoms of health problems caused by pollutants include coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, shortness of breath, fever, dizziness, fatigue, and even digestive problems.

Because allergic reactions to biological, airborne contaminants only occur after repeated exposure to a specific allergen, people who may have only had no allergic reactions or only mild allergic reactions in the past can develop more sever allergic reactions over time.

Treating Airborne Allergies

Most people who suffer from airborne allergies will try an entire regimen of antihistamines in order to find the right medication to treat their specific symptoms. Modern medicine provides an entire host of treatment options available by prescription or over the counter. Unfortunately, no two people will receive the exact same level of relief from the same prescription or over-the-counter treatment. Antihistamine drugs also often have unwanted side effects. These side effects can include drowsiness, impaired concentration, heart palpitations, dry mouth, and even bad breath. Also, these drugs lose their effectiveness when taken over time, so it may be necessary to keep trying new drugs to find another one that provides the same level of relief.

A more natural and potentially cost-effective way to treat indoor airborne allergies is to purchase an air purification system. A high-quality air purifier can eliminate up to 99.9% of the biological and other contaminants that trigger allergic reactions.

Air filtration systems have proven to be so beneficial to chronic asthma and allergy sufferers that some health insurance plans will help cover the cost of an air purifier, or the purchase may qualify as a medical tax deduction.

Because air filters for the home are available in a variety of compositions, sizes, and uses, it is important to research a unit before purchasing to ensure that it meets your needs. A filter's efficiency is measured by a rating known as MERV, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value: the higher the MERV rating, the better the efficiency of the air filtration device.

If purchasing an air filter to help eliminate airborne allergens, be sure that the model you are purchasing doesn't just remove lint and heavier dust particles or reduce odors in the air. Look for a unit that's specifications include the removal of biological contaminants to provide relief to people who suffer from airborne allergies.

Keep in mind that with rising health care costs across the nation, the cost for medical treatment for children and adults suffering from airborne allergies is enormous. By choosing a natural method of treatment like air filtration you are ensuring a healthier home environment and taking proactive measures to prevent future allergic reactions, saving yourself more and more money as the years go by.