title: The role of allergen exposure and avoidance in asthma.
abstract: Allergy testing and avoidance of allergens plays an important role in asthma control. Increased allergen exposure, in genetically susceptible individuals, can lead to allergic sensitization. Continued allergen exposure can increase the risk of asthma and other allergic diseases. In a patient with persistent asthma, identification of indoor and outdoor allergens and subsequent avoidance can improve symptoms. Often times, a patient will have multiple allergies and the avoidance plan should target all positive allergens. Several studies have shown that successful allergen remediation includes a comprehensive approach including education, cleaning, physical barriers, and maintaining these practices.
authors.affiliation: Division of Immunology, Children's Hospital, Boston/Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Fegan 6, Boston, MA 02445, USA.
authors.forename: Sachin N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Baxi
authors.forename: Wanda
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Phipatanakul
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003058:Cockroaches; D040001:Dermatophagoides farinae; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005658:Fungi; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D011058:Pollen; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D000485:Allergens