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Spring Allergy Season Is Here; Doctors Say Making Changes In Your Home Can Help Symptoms
Prev NextDoctors warn that seasonal allergies are on the rise
TAMPA, Fla. — Florida's allergy season is back.
"I have noticed increased runny nose, also red eyes especially when I wake up in the morning," said Simran Saini, who suffers from allergies.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies and are pollen-sensitive, you'll likely start noticing symptoms like extreme congestion, itchy and watery eyes, sore throat, coughing, and wheezing.
"People with allergies, they're more prone to get sinus infections, bronchitis, especially at this time of the year," said Dr. Latha Chamarthy, an allergy specialist.
She's seen more people come in with these symptoms recently.
"When people have seasonal allergies in the springtime, we do recommend avoiding outdoor activities as much as possible. Stay indoors," said Chamarthy.
That's something she recommends to her patient, Saini.
"When I do go outside, I do notice me getting a sore throat, even coughing. Sometimes I will get shortness of breath," said Saini.
Dr. Rima Sanka has also seen an increase in patients.
"Patients are having the kind of early signs of it right now, in my opinion, and it will continue to get worse for the next two to three months," said Sanka, who is an allergy and asthma immunologist.
"People can get a little bit of fullness and pressure in the sinuses, post nasal drip, throat clearing," she added.
Kids can have different allergy symptoms.
"Oftentimes young children present with eczema, or atopic dermatitis, are the first sign of their allergies, and they may not develop the nasal and eye and throat symptoms until the next year or the year after," said Sanka.
If you're feeling symptomatic, Sanka said one of the best things you can do is try to control your indoor space. So do things like close your windows, change clothes once you get inside because they likely have pollen on them, leave your shoes at the door, keep your air conditioning running, and change the filter.
"People don't think about how dirty their filters get when the pollen season is high. So if you typically change them once every three months, now you have to change them every month," said Sanka.
"Taking a shower before you go to bed makes a tremendous difference. All that pollen that you see on your car windshield is also all over you. So washing your hair, washing your face," she added.
Go see a doctor if your allergies are affecting your quality of life.
You can get tested for different things to manage your symptoms better.
"We use a plastic prick device… And it introduces the allergen into the top layer of the skin," said Sanka.
There's also over-the-counter medication that doctors recommend can help, too.
"If you're having symptoms, you can also take antihistamines, nasal sprays," said Chamarthy.
"You can feel better. Your quality of life is important. Your quality of sleep is important. It's worth investing in yourself," said Sanka.
Copyright 2025 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Food Allergy 101
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Food Allergy 101
Get the facts on what food allergies are—and what they aren't—plus how to recognize the symptoms and seek testing from a healthcare professional.
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What Is a Food Allergy?Food allergy is a serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition affecting more than 33 million people living in the U.S. Learn about food allergies, what causes them and more.
Learn More Diagnosis and TestingSuspected food allergies should always be evaluated, diagnosed and treated by a qualified medical professional. Do not diagnose a food allergy on your own. Self-diagnosis can lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions and inadequate nutrition, especially in children.
Learn More AnaphylaxisAnaphylaxis (pronounced a-nuh-fuh-LAK-suhs) is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Symptoms can affect several areas of the body, including breathing and blood circulation. Patients and their families should know how to respond.
Learn More EpinephrineEpinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Epinephrine is a safe and highly-effective medication that can reverse severe allergy symptoms.
Learn MoreFood Allergy Action Plan Center
Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care PlanGet to know this document, the cornerstone of personalized treatment for anyone with a food allergy.
Find An AllergistThe Find an Allergist search tool is specifically designed so food allergic individuals can locate an allergist in their community. FARE offers this tool in partnership with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)—the professional society for allergies or asthma.
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The 6 Best Air Purifiers For Allergies To Keep Symptoms At Bay
If you have allergies, you know how frustrating it is when symptoms flare up indoors. Even when your home looks spotless, dust, pollen and pet dander linger in the air, making it hard to breathe and impossible to get comfortable. The best air purifiers for allergies can help by capturing these airborne irritants before they cause sneezing fits or scratchy throats. Our top recommendation is the Levoit Core 400S, a powerful and efficient model with true HEPA filtration, smart controls and wide coverage to help remove allergens and improve air quality.
The best air purifiers for allergies remove dust, pollen, pet dander and more, making it easier to ... [+] breathe indoors.
Illustration: Forbes / Image: Retailers"An air purifier should filter out as many particles from the air as possible so that they're not left to trigger allergies for those inside the home," says Michael Rubino, a mold and air quality expert and environmental wellness advocate. "The cleaner the air, the healthier it will be." Of course, finding the right air purifier depends on your specific needs. Some models work better in small bedrooms, while others are built to handle pet dander or purify the air in larger spaces. We've tested several of the best air purifiers and consulted air quality experts to find the most effective options for allergy sufferers. With all this in mind, here are the most effective air purifiers for allergy sufferers in 2025.
MOST POPULAR
Dimensions: 10.8 x 10.8 x 20.5 inchesWeight: 12.8 poundsCoverage area: 1,980 square feetFilter: Pre-filter, true HEPA, activated carbonNoise level: 24 to 50 dB
What you'll love:
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Some air purifiers take their time clearing a room, but this one gets to work fast. During our testing, the Levoit Core 400S responded immediately to pollutants and shifted into a higher gear the second it detected smoke, dust or allergens in the air. Its PM2.5 indicator gives a real-time look at your indoor air quality, and the three-stage filtration system removes everything from pollen to pet dander. It features a true HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, while the activated carbon layer absorbs odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Cuzzone loves how quickly the Core 400S helps clear out allergens. She's allergic to dogs and it ... [+] always helps her breathe easier after pet-sitting.
Kara CuzzoneThis purifier is a bit larger than some models, but its quiet operation and smart controls make it unobtrusive. You can adjust settings remotely, and when running on low, it's quiet enough that you might forget it's on. Kara Cuzzone, Forbes Vetted's senior deals editor, switched to the Levoit Core 400S from a pricier model and hasn't looked back. "It does a better job of clearing smoke and smells from my apartment than the pricier option did," she says. "I usually notice a difference in under 10 minutes." The filter lasts about a year before needing replacement, and the purifier includes an indicator light so you don't have to guess when it's time to swap it out.
Amazon
Clorox Medium Room True HEPA Air Purifier
Dimensions: 8.7 x 14.7 x 8.7 inchesWeight: 6 poundsCoverage area: 225 square feetFilter: Pre-filter, true HEPA, active carbonNoise level: Not listed
What you'll love:
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Most budget-friendly air purifiers make trade-offs, but this one delivers impressive performance for just under $100. Designed for medium-sized rooms, the Clorox Medium Room True HEPA Air Purifier has a three-stage filtration system that pulls in air from all directions and removes common allergens like dust, pollen and pet dander. The true HEPA filter captures 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns, which is even smaller than the 0.3 microns typically filtered by models at higher price points.
In testing, this purifier proved surprisingly powerful for its size. "This is a great machine for smaller homes or apartments," says Forbes SEO content strategist Dawlat Chebly. "Not only is it powerful, but its compact and sleek design really allows you to place it anywhere in your small space without having to take up too much room." It's also highly responsive to changes in air quality. Even from another room, it detected unclean air while Chebly was cooking and automatically increased its fan speed to clear the room. The color-coded air quality indicator also stays visible even from a distance, which gives you real-time feedback on the conditions in your space. Updates writer Fran Sales, who has had the Clorox purifier for two years, confirms that the helpful light works consistently.
While this purifier doesn't offer the app connectivity of pricier models, its auto mode does the work for you by continuously monitoring the air and adjusting settings as needed. The quietest setting is nearly silent, while higher speeds produce a steady white noise effect that some may even find soothing.
Dimensions: 19.7 x 18.9 x 8.4 inchesWeight: 20.3 poundsCoverage area: 1,070 square feetFilter: Pre-filter, medium filter, BioGS HEPA filter, activated carbon, custom filterNoise level: 20.3 to 51 dB
What you'll love:
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The Rabbitair A3 isn't just the best smart air purifier for allergies—we named it the best air purifier of 2025, thanks to its powerful filtration, customizable design and easy-to-operate smart features. It uses a five-stage filtration system, including a true HEPA filter, activated carbon and a customizable layer so you can target specific pollutants like pet dander or smoke.
In testing, the A3 made an immediate difference. "Before this, I would often wonder if my previous air purifier was even working," says Chebly, who swapped out their old purifier for this one. "This one definitely is." The Rabbitair A3 covers over 1,000 square feet and adjusts automatically based on real-time air quality, so you don't have to constantly mess with it. It also connects to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which allows you to monitor and control it from anywhere via the Rabbitair app.
Despite being one of the largest air purifiers on this list, the Rabbitair A3's design makes it feel relatively unobtrusive. It can be mounted on a wall to save floor space, and the front panel is swappable if you want a more decorative look. It's also impressively quiet at lower speeds. (You'll hear it on the highest setting, but it rarely needs to be turned up manually, thanks to its efficient auto mode.)
Amazon
Levoit Core P350 Pet Care
Dimensions: 8.7 x 8.7 x 14.2 inchesWeight: 7.5 poundsCoverage area: 219 square feetFilter: Pre-filter, HEPA, activated carbonNoise level: 24 to 50 decibels
What you'll love:
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Even the most well-groomed pets leave behind fur, dander and the occasional mystery odor. Designed for rooms up to 219 square feet, the Levoit Core P350 Pet Care helps with all of the above. This pet-specific air purifier filters out airborne allergens and neutralizes smells so your home feels fresher. Its three-stage system includes a HEPA filter to capture fine particles, an activated carbon layer to absorb odors and a pre-filter that traps larger debris (like stray hair) before it settles on furniture or triggers a sneezing fit.
This purifier also has a few thoughtful features that make it extra convenient. There's a pet lock to prevent curious paws from messing with the controls, plus a sleep mode that keeps noise levels down at night. Additionally, it's compact enough to tuck into a corner without taking up much space.
Dimensions: 11.4 x 6.8 x 5.9 inchesWeight: 2.8 poundsCoverage area: 90 square feetFilter: Pre-filter, true HEPA, activated carbon layerNoise level: 20 to 44 dB
What you'll love:
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Allergens can accumulate quickly in small rooms, and if there's not enough airflow, they tend to stick around. The Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max helps clear out potential irritants without taking up valuable space. A true HEPA filter removes 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns, while an activated carbon layer helps reduce lingering odors. The washable fabric pre-filter captures larger debris like dust and pet hair, and since it comes in multiple colors, you can customize it to match your aesthetic.
This purifier keeps things simple with just two buttons—one for power, one for fan speed—so there's no need to mess with complicated settings. At under 3 pounds, it's easy to carry from room to room, whether you want fresher air while you sleep or work. And the filter only needs to be replaced twice a year, keeping maintenance at a minimum.
Alen
Alen Breathesmart 75i
Dimensions: 27 x 18.5 x 11.5 inchesWeight: 27 poundsCoverage area: 2,800 square feet per hourFilter: True HEPA H13 (with upgrade options available)Noise level: 25 to 51 decibels
What you'll love:
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If you need an air purifier that can handle a big space, we consistently recommend the Alen Breathesmart 75i for large rooms. Designed for open-concept living areas, spacious bedrooms and basements, it cycles through 1,400 square feet every 30 minutes while filtering out common allergens like dust, pollen and pet dander. Its True HEPA H13 filter captures 99.99% of airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns, and its smart sensors automatically adjust fan speed based on air quality.
One of its biggest advantages is customizable filtration. The standard Pure filter is designed for allergens and dust, while the Fresh model adds activated carbon to absorb household odors and VOCs. The Odor filter goes even further, neutralizing stubborn smells from pets, cooking and more. (Just keep in mind these upgrade options come with a higher price.) Regardless of which you choose, the filter lasts up to 15 months—one of the longest lifespans of any purifier on this list.
Despite its size, the BreatheSmart 75i is surprisingly quiet, maxing out at 51 decibels on its highest setting. It also features a color-coded air quality display, automatic dimming for nighttime use and Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control via the Alen Air app.
Why Trust Forbes VettedThe Forbes Vetted home team has spent countless hours researching and testing household appliances, from whole-house humidifiers to space heaters for large rooms—including, of course, air purifiers.
How We Chose The Best Air Purifiers For AllergiesTo find the best air purifiers for allergies, we considered a wide range of popular models designed for different room sizes and needs, using expert-backed criteria to guide our selections.
Thinking of investing in an air purifier to help you breathe easier in your home? Here's what to consider as you shop.
FiltrationThe most important feature in an air purifier for allergies is its filtration system. "The smaller the particle size the filter can eliminate a majority of the time, the better," says Rubino. HEPA filters are considered the gold standard, but not all HEPA filters are the same. "To qualify as a HEPA filter, 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns must be removed," Rubino explains. "That being said, some companies have gone beyond this standard and implemented technology that makes the filter even more powerful, allowing them to eliminate particles smaller than 0.3 microns." If you're especially sensitive to allergens, look for a purifier that captures even smaller particles for the highest level of filtration. Activated carbon filters can also help absorb odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), further improving your indoor air quality.
Coverage AreaBefore choosing an air purifier, think about the size of the room you need to clean. Each model is rated for a specific square footage, and some brands list multiple coverage estimates based on how often the purifier refreshes the air per hour. If your space has high ceilings, you'll need a more powerful unit to handle the extra air volume. Rubino also recommends considering other factors that can affect air quality. "If there are sources of pollution in the space, such as multiple pets, a stronger purifier may be needed to keep up," he says. In cases like this, you might consider an air purifier rated for a larger space, even if you'll be using it in a smaller one.
Noise LevelWhile most air purifiers produce some level of sound, certain models are quieter than others. Noise levels are typically measured in decibels (dB), with lower settings often described as "whisper-quiet" and higher settings creating a noticeable hum. If you plan to use an air purifier in a bedroom or home office, look for one that operates at 50 dB or lower on its highest setting. Some models also feature a sleep mode, which reduces noise and dims indicator lights to avoid being disruptive at night.
Smart Features And Auto ModeMany air purifiers have sensors that detect changes in air quality and automatically adjust the fan speed. This is helpful for allergy sufferers since it keeps the purifier working efficiently without needing constant adjustments. Some models also connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so you can control them through an app and check air quality in real time. While not necessary, these features can be very convenient—especially if you use your air purifier daily.
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