Air Filters May Provide Relief

A recent review of 10 randomized clinical trials showed that home high-efficiency particulate air filters can reduce the symptoms of allergies and asthma, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and sleep disturbances. The filters, however, did not reduce the use of medications, such as anti-inflammatories and bronchodilators, and had no effect on morning peak expiratory flow values.The filters also did not improve nasal symptoms, the study authors reported in a recent issue of Chest. The authors called for larger trials to determine the effect of air filtration on quality of life and symptom control for people with asthma.