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Effect of a change to mite-free bedding on children with mite-sensitive asthma: a controlled trial
Insights
New mite-free bedding improved asthma control in children, but mites colonized the bedding quickly. Further research is needed to maintain mite-free environments for asthma patients.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
- Environmental Health
Background:
- House dust mites are a common trigger for allergic asthma in children.
- Current asthma management often involves allergen avoidance, but effective strategies for mite allergen control in bedding are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of mite-free bedding in improving asthma control in children with mite-sensitive asthma.
- To assess the impact of new bedding on peak expiratory flow (PEF) rates in pediatric asthma patients.
Main Methods:
- A crossover randomized controlled trial involving 21 children with mite-sensitive asthma.
- Participants used mite-free bedding (sleeping bag and pillow) for one month, followed by a month using their own bedding.
- Twice-daily peak flow readings were recorded and compared between the two periods.
Main Results:
- Seventeen out of 21 children demonstrated higher mean peak flow readings while using mite-free bedding (p < 0.01).
- The overall improvement in lung function was modest.
- Mite colonization was observed in most bedding samples by the end of the trial period.
Conclusions:
- Mite-free bedding may offer a beneficial intervention for children suffering from mite-sensitive asthma.
- The study highlights the need for improved methods to prevent mite colonization in bedding to sustain therapeutic benefits.
Abstract:
Twenty-one children with mite-sensitive asthma took part in a crossover randomised controlled trial of mite-free bedding. Each child was issued with a new sleeping bag and pillow for a month, and twice-daily peak flow readings were compared with those obtained during a month in the child's ordinary bedding. Seventeen of the children had higher mean peak flow readings during the period in the mite-free bedding (p < 0.01). The overall improvement was only modest, however, and some mites had appeared in most of the bedding by the end of the trial. New bedding may be helpful to patients with mite-sensitive asthma, but methods are needed to prevent colonisation by mites.