Response from: Max (Check me out!)

The first objective for those with an allergy should be allergen avoidance. Obviously those with an allergy to peanuts should avoid eating them. For those (like myself) who have asthma the most important trigger to avoid is the dust from dust mites (85% of us have this allergy). I have my mattress professionally cleaned every 6 months and wear a personal air purifier when I'm in an indoor environment that's outside of my control. Both of these are very affordable. Consequently I've been able to eliminate the steroid inhaler except for brief periods im May each year and while I always carry the reliever spray with me I last used it 18 months ago. Unfortunately doctors are trained to prescribe inhalers and don't tell patients about the importance of allergen avoidance. For some the health effects can be serious indeed as the article above states. We could all benefit from less of the 'drug culture' and more of the 'clean living' culture.