title: The role of intervention in established allergy: avoidance of indoor allergens in the treatment of chronic allergic disease.
abstract: Avoidance of exposure to indoor allergens is an important element in the treatment of allergic disease. The results of several studies provide strong evidence in support of a role for allergen avoidance; however, strategies that optimize allergen reduction in houses have not been determined. Complex issues regarding the efficacy of physical and chemical measures that target house dust mite, pet, and cockroach allergens in the home are discussed. The greatest challenge is to educate allergic patients so that they can play an important role in controlling their own disease.
authors.affiliation: Division of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908-1355, USA.
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Platts-Mills
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Vaughan
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Woodfolk
mesh_terms: D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000517:prevention & control; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy; D005430:Floors and Floorcoverings; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens