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.
We're talking about allergies this week on "Healthwatch." Previously, we learned how to make the indoor environment cleaner. You might be surprised at how big a difference that can make in preventing allergy symptoms and asthma.
Last year, doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center reported that making a few changes to reduce indoor allergens can make a huge difference. Teams went to the homes of children with asthma and took measures to clean the environment. They also taught caretakers how to keep things allergen-free. Children who lived in these homes had an average of 21 fewer days in a year with asthma symptoms than children whose homes weren't visited.
Dr. Rebecca Gruchalla, UT Southwestern's chief of allergy, says it's important to look beyond medication to the home environment for controlling asthma and allergies.
###
March 2005
Health Watch is heard Monday through Friday nationwide on the "Stardust" format of ABC Satellite Radio. Call your local radio station and ask if they carry the program.
