Indoor Allergen Control Measures: A Practical Summary

By Peter B. Boggs, MD

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Commitment to Environmental Allergen
Avoidance Measures

Anyone engaged in the long-term care of patients with allergic asthma is aware that adult patients and parents of children with asthma generally are less committed to remediation efforts than is required for optimal impact. Studies have confirmed this low level of commitment.^35,36 The ingredients needed to invite high levels of commitment are not clear. Helpful to the achievement of commitment are simple, clearly explained suggestions; a good relationship between physician and patient; emphasis on essential measures rather than secondary measures; follow-up visits with progress reports and positive reinforcement; and the quantitation of baseline and follow-up allergen levels in settled dust with feedback to the patient. Both patient and physician should be familiar with the pitfalls that accompany indoor allergen control (Table 6).

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