Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
House dust mite control measures for asthma
P C Gøtzsche1, H K Johansen, C Hammarquist
1The Nordic Cochrane Centre, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark, 2100. p.c.gotzsche@cochrane.dk
Background:
The major allergen in house dust comes from mites. Chemical, physical and combined methods of reducing mite allergen levels are intended to reduce asthma symptoms in people who are sensitive to house dust mites.
Objectives:
The objective of this review was to assess the effects of reducing exposure to house dust mite antigens in the homes of mite-sensitive asthmatics.
Search Strategy:
We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trials register, checked reference lists of articles and hand-searched Respiration (1980 to 1996) and Clinical and Experimental Allergy (1980 to 1996). The Cochrane Library is searched every three months.
Selection Criteria:
Randomised trials of mite control measures vs placebo or no treatment in asthmatic people known to be sensitive to house dust mites.
Data Collection And Analysis:
Two reviewers applied the trial inclusion criteria, assessed their quality and extracted the data independently. Study authors were contacted to clarify information.
Main Results:
Twenty-nine trials (939 patients in the analyses) were included, with two trials awaiting assessment. There was little difference in improvement of asthma between patients in experimental groups compared to control groups (relative risk 1.04, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 0.83 to 1.31). Asthma symptom scores were also similar for the experimental and control groups (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.07, 95% CI -0.35 to 0.22), however there was significant heterogeneity between studies p=0.015. This appears to have been due, in part, to the parallel group studies of physical treatments. These three studies (107 patients) showed a significant reduction in symptoms; SMD -0.44 (95% CI -0.83, -0.06) with no heterogeneity between the trials. No significant difference was noted for medication usage (SMD -0.14, 95%CI -0.43 to 0.15). Peak flow in the morning showed no significant difference between the experimental and the control groups (SMD 0.04, 95%CI -0.13 to 0.21).
Reviewer'S Conclusions:
Current chemical methods aimed at reducing exposure to house dust mite allergens seem to be ineffective and cannot be recommended as prophylaxis for mite sensitive asthmatics. Physical reduction methods may reduce asthma symptoms, but results of larger and more rigorous studies are required before any recommendations can be made concerning this approach.
Insights
Chemical methods to reduce house dust mite (HDM) exposure do not effectively improve asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals. Physical reduction methods may offer some benefit, but more research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- House dust mites are a primary source of allergens, triggering asthma in sensitive populations.
- Interventions focus on reducing mite allergen levels through chemical or physical methods to alleviate asthma symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of reducing house dust mite allergen exposure on asthmatic individuals sensitive to these mites.
- To assess the efficacy of various mite control strategies in managing asthma.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating mite control measures versus placebo or no treatment.
- Searched multiple databases including the Cochrane Airways Group trials register and hand-searched key journals.
- Data extraction and quality assessment performed independently by two reviewers.
Main Results:
- Twenty-nine trials involving 939 patients were analyzed.
- No significant difference in asthma improvement was observed between mite control interventions and control groups (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.31).
- While overall asthma symptom scores showed no significant difference (SMD -0.07), a subset of physical treatment studies (3 studies, 107 patients) indicated a significant reduction in symptoms (SMD -0.44).
Conclusions:
- Current chemical methods for reducing house dust mite allergen exposure are not recommended for preventing asthma in sensitive individuals.
- Physical mite reduction methods show potential for symptom relief, but require further investigation through larger, robust studies.
- More high-quality research is essential before recommending physical mite control strategies for asthma management.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:30Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
First, in...
01:28Asthma I: Introduction