CNN Today Report Warns of Asthma and Allergy Dangers February 10, 1999

[Guest guest]

CNN Today

Report Warns of Asthma and Allergy Dangers

Aired February 10, 1999 - 1:06 p.m. ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE

UPDATED.

LOU WATERS, CNN ANCHOR: Our next story is nothing to sneeze at, although 50

million Americans do just that. We're talking allergies. And while much of

the country is enjoying a winter reprieve, spring is in sight and so are the

red noses and watery eyes.

It might surprise you to learn there's never been a uniform set of

guidelines for treating one of our most prevalent afflictions, until today.

CNN's Eileen O'Connor joins us now from Washington with news that could make

millions of us breath a little easier.

Eileen.

EILEEN O'CONNOR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Lou, this report was prepared by

the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology to be used by

primary-care providers. With managed care, and more and more

over-the-counter and herbal remedies, patients are not being referred to

allergy specialists, or they're treating themselves for allergy symptoms.

But says this report, that could be dangerous. Untreated hayfever and other

allergies can lead to asthma or serious sinus and ear infections.

With children especially it's a problem. If your child constantly has ear

infections, before using antibiotics again or putting in tubes, these

experts recommend considering allergies as a possible cause. Allergies are

on the rise. One in five Americans have allergies. And the report says it

costs 100 million days of restricted activities and 10 million missed school

days, with a financial cost of $18 billion in direct medical costs a year.

Allergies are more common as people more and more people are exposed to

different chemicals. Asthma has increased 75 percent over the last 15 years.

Yet again, primary-care providers, rushed through the day, may not be

recognizing the symptoms.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. GARY RACHELEFSKY, TASK FORCE CO-CHAIRMAN, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ASTHMA,

ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY: Many physicians don't recognize and also other

health-care providers that a patient is allergic. And as you say, it's not

just sneezing, and a running, itching nose. (END VIDEO CLIP)

O'CONNOR: The report recommends proper medication with new drugs by

prescription that don't cause drowsiness, and avoiding so-called triggers by

exercising frequently but away from that field of weeds, and avoiding

household cleaning products which may trigger allergies. Wash your bed

sheets to control dust mites. And avoid fumes such as cigarette and cigar

smoke.

Also, keep indoor humidity at less than 50 percent to reduce mold. Read

ingredients carefully on food products to avoid allergens that you know

you're allergic to.

And also, if you constantly have the same symptoms over and over again --

including headache, fatigue, wheezing -- check says this report, ask your

doctor. Maybe you should be tested for allergies.

I'm Eileen O'Connor reporting live from Washington.

DONNA KELLEY, CNN ANCHOR: Eileen, thanks.

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