[Sensitization to house dust mites: importance and possibilities of allergen elimination]

House-dust mite allergy (Dermatophagoides pteronissinus and Dermatophagoides farinae) is an important causative factor for allergic asthma or rhinitis in children. There is a clear relationship between the degree of allergen exposure and the subsequent development of asthma or the risk of sensitisation. It is therefore useful to know how intensive a patient is exposed to house-dust allergen. This can be managed either by counting all mites in the dust, by measuring of the content of Der p I and Der f I (major antigens of the two mites) per gram dust or using the Acarex test. These methods are also suitable for the control of sanitation measurements, e.g. avoidance of all dust sources in the bedroom and living-room, use of suitable materials for bedding, application of acaricide products and covering mattresses with polyurethane-coated materials.