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 Health Watch, we're talking about fall allergies. Being outdoors isn't the only way to be exposed to allergens. When you stay indoors on cold or rainy fall days, other allergens can come into play. For instance, cockroach allergens can be a major cause of asthma. This often affects children who live in inner-city apartments.
Dr. Rebecca Gruchalla, chief of allergy at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says you can reduce your exposure to cockroach allergens by fixing leaky faucets, eating only in the kitchen and dining room, keeping food sealed in plastic containers, taking out the trash every day and wiping down floors and countertops regularly. Dust mites are another major source of indoor allergies. Seal mattresses and pillows in dust-proof covers and wash sheets often in hot water to reduce your exposure to dust mite allergens.
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October 2006
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