A/C upsetting my allergies?

[Meashu]

I wake up every morning with a runny nose and a sneeze-a-thon. Could my air-conditioner be making my allergies worse? I have cleaned the filter and I vacuum twice a week (we live in a 1 bedroom apt) plus dust when I can.
I just wonder if the recycled air is upsetting my sinus'.

[Na-Na]

ACs can make the air dry, which can upset allergies. I'd try getting a humidifier (or, if you can't afford one, setting out a bowl of water) to see if that helps any.

[WildChild]

On the other hand allergists often recommend that allergy sufferers use the AC since a good one will filter the air and get out some of the irritants. You should try a humidifier but sure you clean it regularly as they can release mold and mildew into the air.

[LanaBear]

My AC helps my allergies tremendously. However, we replace our filters every 3 months (central air) and I buy the higher allergy ones (not sure what the correct term is), but they are rated to filter out the highest amount of particles. I am a HUGE allergy sufferer.

Also, depending on your location, try a humidifier, but like WildChild stated, make sure you clean it often and thoroughly to prevent mold. Although, I lived in New England for about 10 years and I wouldn't have had a himidifier there if my life depended on it, too humid. But now that I live in NV, I love it.

[echoskybound]

I think AC helps as far as cleaning air, but it also makes the air a little dry. I haven't tried running an AC and humidifier at the same time, I have a feeling that the AC would take a lot of the moisture away. Maybe it's also worth getting an air filter? My parents just got one and my mom claims that it's been helping her allergies, even with AC running.

[scottishlass]

Hullo there Meashu!

Well I live in Scotland...and for obvious reasons don't have AC lol. I suffer from Hayfever...just a thought....as I often wake up sneezing when there's no windows open...But do you dry your bedding outside on the washing line? I find this is always guaranteed to make me sneezy first thing in the morning...as is ironing the said clothes and bedding dried on the line :-S Whats good for the environment mightna be good for the allergies!

[happy ending]

a/c really seems to dry out the sinus's, perhaps you could try the neti pot, that has been featured on threads here. i live in a hot part of australia, but really only use the ac when i have to. i dont like it.