2007 – Seven USA cities prove that allergen avoidance benefits asthmatics
Inner city children with asthma demonstrated clinical benefits through an individualized allergen recognition and avoidance programme.
In a large clinical study in seven U.S. cities, 937 asthmatic children (age 5 to 11) were individually clinically tested for allergy triggers and exposure to tobacco smoke. The study then evaluated the effectiveness of multifaceted, home based, environmental interventions designed to improve individual morbidity and decrease their use of health care services. Common allergens detected were from cockroach, cat, mould and house dust mites. The goal of the study was the modification of behavioural change through interventions and education. Interventions included, allergen-impermeable covers on mattress and pillows to reduce mite exposure, vacuum cleaners with a HEPA filter or bare-floor brush for cleaning hard floors, professional pest control visits if cockroach was discovered. In addition, if passive smoke, mould, dog or cat allergens were identified as triggers, a HEPA air purifier was installed in the child’s bedroom.
The study demonstrated sustained reductions in indoor allergen levels and sustained improvements in reported asthma morbidity. A year-long study with one year follow-up.
Similar pages
- Clinical success in mite avoidance
- 2007 – Mite sensitisation is on the increase even in clean air cities
- 2008 – Allergen avoidance is the first step in treating chronic rhinitis
- 2007 – Woven anti-allergen material is superior to non-woven
- 1992 – A further mite avoidance study in children with asthma demonstrates health improvements; plus doctors write in unison to support allergen avoidance in disease management
‘Results of a Home-Based Environmental Intervention among Urban Children with Asthma’, Morgan W J et al, 2004: 351: p 1068-80, New England Journal of Medicine
House dust mites must have a still, dark and warm and damp environment. Take away any of these and they die
