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Feather bedding and childhood asthma associated with house dust mite sensitisation: a randomised controlled trial

Nicholas J Glasgow1, Anne-Louise Ponsonby, Andrew Kemp

  • 1The Australian National University, Acton, 0200 ACT, Australia. nicholas.glasgow@anu.edu.au

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|April 1, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Introducing feather bedding to children with asthma did not improve respiratory symptoms or lung function compared to standard care. This randomized controlled trial found no significant differences in wheezing or sleep disturbances over one year.

Area of Science:

  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Observational studies suggest feather bedding may reduce asthma symptoms.
  • However, no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated feather bedding as a secondary asthma prevention strategy.
  • House dust mite (HDM) sensitization is a common trigger for asthma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if new feather upper bedding (pillow and quilt) reduces asthma severity in HDM-sensitized children over one year.
  • Comparison was made against standard dust mite avoidance advice and mite-occlusive mattress covers.
  • The study aimed to provide RCT evidence on feather bedding's role in asthma management.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted.
  • 197 children with moderate-to-severe asthma and HDM sensitization participated.
  • Intervention group received feather bedding and a mite-occlusive mattress cover; control group received standard care and a mite-occlusive mattress cover.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences were observed between the feather bedding and standard care groups for primary outcomes like frequent wheeze, speech-limiting wheeze, or sleep disturbance due to wheezing.
  • Secondary analyses suggested a potential benefit for children sleeping supine, with reduced sleep disturbance and severe wheeze.
  • Spirometry and challenge testing also showed no significant group differences.

Conclusions:

  • Providing feather upper bedding to children with moderate-to-severe asthma and HDM sensitization did not lead to improved respiratory symptoms or lung function after one year.
  • The findings do not support the use of feather bedding as a secondary prevention measure for this patient group.
  • Further research may explore specific subgroups or different intervention durations.
Abstract

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