Many products claim to reduce allergens

Many allergy and asthma sufferers try to rid their homes of the pollen, dust, dander, mold and other triggers that make their eyes water, noses run and lungs fight for air.

They might vacuum frequently, buy air purifiers or install filters or dehumidifiers.

There's an entire industry making asthma and allergy products catering to sufferers who want to clear the air.

The Internet is full of companies that claim that their air purifiers remove animal dander, dust mites and mold spores and that their cleaning products neutralize allergens in carpets.

"There are a lot of companies making a lot of money on our paranoia," said Dr. Don McNeil, an allergist and immunologist at Midwest Allergy & Asthma Clinic. "What I tell patients is, generally speaking, the more money you spend, the less benefit you get from it."

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Americans spend $10 billion a year on products such as special floor coverings, washing machines, bedding and toys.

To help consumers, the foundation tests products to determine whether they can be certified by the group as "asthma- and allergy-friendly."

"Along with medications, allergen reduction is the second-most-important part of managing the disease," said Angel Waldron, a foundation spokeswoman. "Everything says it's hypoallergenic, so how do you know what to purchase?"

Physicians warn their patients not to be swayed by claims that products will improve air quality and remove allergens.

McNeil said people can do a lot on their own, such as keeping basements dry to get rid of mold, getting rid of cats or dogs if they're the problem, and removing carpet from bedrooms. Doctors say hardwood floors are better than carpet in limiting dust.

"But there's nothing to suggest that, if you rip your carpet out ... that that's worth the investment," said Dr. Princess Ogbogu, an allergist and immunologist at Ohio State University Medical Center.

She recommends vacuuming once a week to keep the dust down and leaving the room for 30 minutes afterward to let everything settle.

Whole-house air purifiers that use HEPA filters can be costly and ineffective depending on how much people come and go, allowing allergens in.



"I tell patients if they want to purchase an air filter, they may want to put it in their bedroom and shut the door," Ogbogu said.

She also suggests limiting outdoor time during allergy season, especially between 5 and 10 a.m. when pollen counts are high.

If you're outside most of the day, change your clothes and take a shower before going to sleep so pollen in your hair and skin doesn't stay with you.

Dr. Roger Friedman, an allergist with Buckeye Allergy in northeast Columbus, said people with dust allergies should remove stuffed toys and books from their bedrooms. If the toys must stay, put them in plastic bags in the freezer overnight to kill any dust mites, Friedman said.

So what is worth the money? Doctors say covers for pillows, mattresses, box springs and bedding help combat dust mites.

"The better ones are breathable and made of more synthetic fibers that don't get too hot," Friedman said.

For asthma sufferers, doctors say to stay away from cigarette smoke, Friedman said. "The single worst thing for children with asthma is to be in a home with smoking."