"Controlling Environment Key to Asthma, Allergy Relief"

very spring and fall millions of American adults and children

battle the itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing and wheezing caused by allergies and asthma. Besides over-the-counter and prescription medicines, controlling your environment is one of the best ways to reduce allergy and asthma attacks. Specifically:

Outdoor Allergies
Stay inside during the early morning and late afternoon hours, when pollen counts are at their highest.
Keep windows closed in your home.
Turn on the air conditioner and put it on the recirculate setting when in your car.

Indoor Allergies
Avoid keeping pets indoors. If you own an indoor pet, don't allow it to sleep on your bed.
Wash sheets every week in hot water.
Use impermeable dust covers on mattresses and pillows.
Keep your home clean and all food items put away in airtight containers, so you're less likely to attract bugs.
Repair any leaky faucets and pipes to avoid mold development.
Install dehumidifiers to remove moisture that can encourage mold and mildew growth.

Allergy/Asthma Treatments
The tried-and-true treatment for allergies is antihistamines, which block the chemicals involved in allergic reactions. You might also consider antihistamines with decongestants, which reduce nasal stuffiness, and nasal corticosteroids, which fight inflammation.

Immunotherapy is another established treatment, in which the patient receives regular injections of a substance they're allergic to, with the goal of becoming more resistant to the antigen. About 90 percent of patients with allergies can reduce their symptoms through immunotherapy, especially those with allergies to dust mites and pollen.

A popular European treatment, sublingual immunotherapy, works by exposing the patient through drops placed under the tongue, rather than injections. The treatment is currently waiting for FDA approval.

Controlling allergens in your environment is important for asthma sufferers as well, since about half of all asthma patients experience attacks that are brought on by allergies. These people also need to avoid lung irritants such as smoke, cooking fumes, coal dust and strong odors.

Asthma medications, meanwhile, fall into two basic categories: 1) Long-term asthma control medicines that include corticosteroids, leukotriene antagonists, cromolyn and nedocromil. All are medications that are taken daily in order to prevent attacks. 2) Quick-relief asthma treatments that are known as short-acting beta-agonists. They provide immediate relief for attacks and are used in conjunction with longterm prescriptions.

About 20 million Americans currently have asthma, and the numbers are increasing. Many doctors believe that may be caused by increasingly sanitized environments, energy-efficient construction that traps allergens inside tightly sealed buildings and a barrage of antibacterial products that people are now using in their homes and at work.