Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on "Healthwatch," we're talking about allergies. Last time, we learned about allergens in the environment that make asthma worse for kids. Common household allergens include cockroach allergens, pet dander and dust mites.
Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center say cleaning the environment can make a big difference in preventing allergy symptoms and asthma.
Dr. Rebecca Gruchalla, chief of allergy, says you can help keep cockroaches away by caulking wall cracks, not leaving food uncovered, fixing leaky pipes and taking the trash out daily. To lower dust-mite exposure, encase pillows and mattresses in allergen-proof covers and remove carpeting from bedrooms. A HEPA air filter can reduce the amount of all allergens in indoor air.
Next on "Healthwatch": How effective are these anti-allergy measures?
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March 2005
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