You asked

Is it true that forced air heat can trigger allergies?

In some cases, heated air can dry out mucus membranes, causing irritation. The irritation, in turn, can contribute to the onset of allergic reactions. For the majority of affected people, heated air is not a major cause trigger of allergic reactions.

Forced air heating ducts have many grooves, joints and corners that allow dust, pollen, mould, feathers and animal hair to build up. This dirt is the main cause of allergic reactions, due to dust and spores being blown out of the heater into the home. To limit this, a forced air heating system should be fitted with a good HEPA filter. HEPA is short for High Efficiency Particulate Air filter. These kinds of filters were originally developed to prevent radioactive contamination of personnel working on the Manhattan Project in the 1940's. These filters have different efficiency ratings and can almost block all dust and allergens from passing through.

The filter must be fitted properly according to manufacturer's instructions and must be replaced at the recommended intervals
.
Ducting should be cleaned out at least once a year and definitely before the start of the cold season. Sometimes it is better to have this done professionally.

More questions

Once you have established your toddler has a slight fever, there are a number of measures you can take to keep it under control
If your toddler has a slight fever, there are a number of measures you can take to keep it under control.
The average body temperature should be between 35°C and 37°C.
 
While a fever can be treated, it's important to keep in mind that fevers are usually the symptom of an illness and not the illness itself.
A body’s temperature is controlled by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus.
 
Getting norovirus cannot always be avoided, but good hygiene can help limit the spread of the virus...
All about how to deal with the winter vomiting bug...
All about how to treat the winter vomiting bug...
The first sign of norovirus is usually a abrupt feeling of nausea followed by sick feeling, followed by forceful vomiting and watery diarrhoea.
Norovirus is more commonly known as the winter vomiting bug.

Latest

Trending