Indoor Allergens Associated with Asthma: New Study
Elevated levels of allergens in the home are associated with asthma symptoms in allergic individuals, and asthmatics who experience allergies may improve their health by reducing allergen exposures. The findings are the result of new research published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, and reported in a recent press release by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
According to researchers, the link between indoor allergen levels and asthma is particularly significant because many people with allergies and asthma spend a majority of their time at home or indoors. In the U.S., alone, asthma affects more than 22 million people, making it one of the most common chronic illnesses.
Research findings demonstrate that in 52% of the cases evaluated by scientists, allergy sufferers were routinely exposed to at least 6 detectable indoor allergens. Another 46% of the cases involved significantly increased levels of at least 3 allergens. The most common allergens studied included those from dog, cat, mouse, cockroach, dust mites, and the fungus Alternaria.
According to authors of the study, the data provides useful information to asthma patients about the critical importance of reducing one's exposure to allergens. They also note that although homes cannot be made allergen free, allergen levels can be reduced, and reducing those levels does appear to aid in asthma management.
Previously on the DC Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:
- New evidence that ER treatment of asthma is often inadequate
- An FDA warning regarding a possible link between a popular allergy drug and suicidal behavior
- A survey demonstrating that children are often exposed to peanuts at young ages, despite public health advice to the contrary
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