[Habitat of the allergic child: theory and practice]

Control of the asthmatic child's environment forms an integral part of therapeutic care. This requires knowing what the main allergens in the child's habitat are and how they arise: eg, acarids, animal teguments, insects and fungi. The overall measures for reducing them chiefly entail controlling humidity: regular airing, or even ventilation, and eliminating sources of humidity can be recommended. Control of acarids will require modifying furnishings (no mats or carpeting, non hangings or heavy curtains, a slatted not interior spring bed base). Acarid-repellent loose covers seem to be more effective than acaricides, which give conflicting results. Physical processes, although necessary, are seldom sufficient. Animals should be evicted. If this is impossible, certain measures have proved effective, however. Insects and moulds are controlled by specific sanitary measures. A practical approach is proposed that takes into account both theoretical demands and everyday realities.