Half of all allergy patients are children. Researchers estimate that 2 million school days are lost each year because of allergies. Inevitably, a parent or guardian must stay home with a sick child, but data on work time lost as a result of children's illnesses are elusive. Getting on the radar screen Employers and health care organizations must recognize the complete costs of allergies and their complications, in terms of direct health care, absenteeism and lost productivity. Otherwise, employers may miss an opportunity to improve both their profits and the safety of their workforces.
Solutions begin with relatively simple measures.
The first is a better understanding of treatment. For chronic sufferers, allergies should be managed by a physician, rather than treated with OTC medication. Physicians and pharmacists can recommend nonsedating antihistamines and address the side effects of treatment, thereby reducing the loss in productivity and accident risks. More comprehensive solutions range from implementing wellness programs to disease management education focusing on functional health outcomes in addition to clinical outcomes. In addition, employers may want to review their air quality for allergens and irritants.