The allergy report

As a member of the Allergic Disorders Task Force, the AMA played a vital role in bringing The Allergy Report to fruition. The goal of this report, a compendium of diagnosis and treatment recommendations put together by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), is to improve health care and productivity for millions of Americans with allergic diseases. Members of the Task Force, which included the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and 19 other diverse medical, patient advocacy and government organizations, worked over the past two years to produce this 600-page report intended for primary care physicians. The Allergy Report, the only single-source document on allergy diagnosis and treatment, is for $22.00 per copy by calling (800) 822-2762. 

Additionally, the AMA's Council on Scientific Affairs produced a report on over-the-counter inhalers in asthma (PDF, 215KB). The recommendations from that report state: 

1. The AMA supports strengthening the product labeling for OTC epinephrine inhalers to better educate users about patterns of inappropriate use; to include clear statements that the use of OTC inhalers can be dangerous; to urge users to seek medical care if symptoms do not improve or if they meet criteria for the presence of persistent disease; and to encourage explicit discussions with physicians about dosage when these products are used. 
   
2. The AMA encourages the Food and Drug Administration to reexamine whether OTC epinephrine inhalers should be removed from the market. 
   
3. In the event that these products continue to be marketed OTC, further information should be obtained to determine whether OTC availability is a risk factor for asthma morbidity and mortality.