February 10, 1999
Web posted at: 9:29 p.m. EST (0229 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A task force of major medical organizations announced broad-scale treatment guidelines on Wednesday for allergies that afflict nearly 50 million Americans.

According to the task force co-chairman, Dr. Gary S. Rachelefsky, there has been no standardized set of recommendations for treating the 1-in-5 Americans who suffer from allergies.

"This is the first time that a task force, members of organizations who represent the wider spectrum of medical professionals, has worked together to develop standardized treatment recommendations for some of our most prevalent, chronic disorders," he said.

The report contains information on diagnosing and treating allergies in adults and children.

Rachelefsky said the recommendations ensure that all health providers have access to the most advanced medical approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

Allergy specialist Dr. Michael Kaliner of Washington Hospital Center, said that, more and more under managed care, patients aren't seeing specialists.

"It is very common for us to find patients who have seen a number of primary care physicians and have been inadequately treated or misdiagnosed," he said.

• Use medicine to treat allergies because they can progress to asthma if untreated.
• When taking medicine, be aware of side effects. For example, many over-the-counter treatments cause drowsiness, while prescription medicines often do not.
• Allergy sufferers should tailor their activities to avoid triggering their allergies. For example, exercise frequently, but not near a field of weeds.
• After gardening, shower well and rinse nostrils with saltwater rinse.
• Avoid fumes from cigarette and cigar smoke.
• If you're allergic to animal dander, don't own cats and dogs; dander can last long after the pet is gone.
• Clean your home frequently, especially bedding; wash the sheets in hot water to control dust mites.
• Avoid household cleaning products that may trigger allergies.
• Keep your indoor humidity at less than 50 percent to discourage the growth of mold.