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Humidity regulation in the management of asthma patients sensitized to house dust mites
S J Hyndman1, D L Brown, P W Ewan
1Health Services Research Group University of Cambridge, UK.
Abstract:
Substances in the faeces of house dust mites are well-recognized as common allergens in the pathogenesis of asthma. There have been many trials of interventions aimed at reducing mite populations in the home, but most have been uncontrolled, too small, or too short to determine with confidence any beneficial effects. Of those which succeeded, very few used methods which reduced mite populations on a permanent basis. House dust mites are sensitive to humidity. Their geographical distribution is closely correlated to the availability of moisture. Very little work has been done on the effects of reducing humidity in the home environment in the long term, with a view to controlling dust mite populations. Two different methods which might reduce humidities to levels which could successfully reduce dust mite numbers are dehumidifiers, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). To date there has been no work assessing the effectiveness of dehumidifiers and very little (although promising) work on MVHR. We discuss the potential of humidity control as an adjunct to the clinical treatment of asthma.
Insights
Controlling humidity in homes can reduce dust mite populations, a common asthma allergen. This study explores using dehumidifiers and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) for long-term mite control.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Allergy and Immunology
- Building Science
Background:
- House dust mite (HDM) fecal matter is a primary allergen in asthma pathogenesis.
- Previous interventions to reduce HDM populations have often lacked rigor (uncontrolled, small, short-term studies) and permanence.
- HDM proliferation is strongly linked to ambient humidity levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of humidity control methods for long-term reduction of house dust mite populations.
- To discuss the role of humidity control as a complementary approach in asthma management.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on house dust mite control and humidity.
- Discussion of two potential humidity reduction methods: dehumidifiers and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR).
Main Results:
- Limited research exists on the long-term effectiveness of humidity control for mite reduction.
- Dehumidifiers have not been previously assessed for mite control efficacy.
- Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) shows some promising, yet limited, evidence for mite reduction.
Conclusions:
- Humidity control presents a potential strategy for managing house dust mite populations.
- Further research is needed to validate the effectiveness of dehumidifiers and MVHR in reducing mite allergens for asthma patients.