Related Experiment Videos
[Allergy to house dust mites]
B Schnyder1, T Schweri, B Thomann
1Klinik für Rheumatologie und klinische Immunologie/Allergologie, Inselspital, Bern.
Abstract:
The prevalence of atopic disease in Switzerland is 15-20%. About 30% of these patients have perennial symptoms and a substantial proportion are allergic to house-dust mite proteins. If absolute air humidity is lower than 7.0 g water per kg air, house-dust mites will not proliferate. This is why the occurrence of house-dust mites varies between different regions. About half of the patients with allergy to house-dust mites complain of rhinitis, a quarter of asthma and a quarter of asthma and rhinitis. The diagnosis is usually by history, skin prick tests and if necessary provocation. Therapy includes allergen avoidance (reduction of air humidity in dwellings by ventilation, encasing of mattresses and bedding), medication (mainly topical corticosteroids) and specific immunotherapy.
Insights
House-dust mite allergies affect 15-20% of Swiss patients with atopic disease, often causing perennial symptoms like rhinitis and asthma. Controlling indoor humidity is key to managing these allergies.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Health
Context:
- Atopic disease prevalence in Switzerland is 15-20%.
- 30% of atopic patients experience perennial symptoms.
- House-dust mite allergy is a significant concern, especially in regions with suitable humidity levels.
Purpose:
- To highlight the prevalence and characteristics of house-dust mite allergy in Switzerland.
- To discuss the factors influencing house-dust mite proliferation and regional variation.
- To outline diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies for house-dust mite allergy.
Summary:
- House-dust mites proliferate when absolute air humidity exceeds 7.0 g/kg.
- Allergy symptoms include rhinitis (50%), asthma (25%), and combined asthma/rhinitis (25%).
- Diagnosis involves patient history, skin prick tests, and provocation tests.
Impact:
- Effective allergen avoidance, primarily by reducing indoor humidity, is crucial.
- Therapeutic options include environmental control, medication (topical corticosteroids), and specific immunotherapy.
- Understanding regional variations in mite prevalence aids targeted prevention and treatment strategies.