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 clean air, allergies and asthma. We’ve discussed how big a role indoor air plays in asthma, especially for inner-city children. A few simple steps to clean up the indoor environment can make a big difference for kids with asthma.
Dr. Rebecca Gruchalla, chief of allergy at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says you can cut down on cockroaches — a leading indoor allergen — by keeping food covered, taking out the trash, keeping floors and countertops clean, repairing water leaks and sealing cracks in walls. To reduce exposure to dust mites, seal mattresses and pillows in allergen-impermeable covers, wash bedding weekly in hot water and, if possible, remove carpeting from bedrooms. Protect children from tobacco smoke by not smoking in the house. A high-efficiency air filter may also help clean the indoor air.
Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/allergy to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in allergies.
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May 2008
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