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Reduction of bronchial hyperreactivity during prolonged allergen avoidance.
Lancet (London, England)
|September 25, 1982
Summary
Avoiding domestic allergens like dust mites can significantly improve asthma symptoms and reduce airway hyperreactivity. This study shows long-term allergen avoidance leads to clinical remission and decreased bronchial hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic patients.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease often exacerbated by domestic allergens.
- Dust mites are common triggers for allergic asthma.
- Long-term effects of allergen avoidance on asthma control and bronchial hyperreactivity are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term impact of avoiding domestic allergens on asthma patients.
- To assess changes in asthma symptoms, medication requirements, and bronchial hyperreactivity.
Main Methods:
- Nine patients with dust mite allergy-induced asthma lived in a hospital environment for over two months to avoid domestic allergens.
- Evaluated clinical symptoms, peak expiratory flow rates, and need for anti-asthma medication.
- Performed serial bronchial provocation tests with histamine to determine the provocative dose causing a 30% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (PD30).
Main Results:
- All nine patients experienced improved asthma symptoms and enhanced morning peak flow rates.
- Seven patients showed a reduction in their anti-asthma medication requirements.
- Five patients demonstrated a significant (≥8-fold) increase in histamine PD30, indicating reduced bronchial hyperreactivity.
Conclusions:
- Sustained avoidance of domestic allergens can lead to clinical remission in asthma patients.
- Allergen avoidance significantly reduces bronchial hyperreactivity, a key feature of asthma.
- Environmental control is a crucial therapeutic strategy for managing asthma effectively.