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A combined approach to reduce mite allergen in the bedroom
J Weeks1, J Oliver, K Birmingham
1Institute of Child Health, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Bristol, UK.
Background:
Asthma is a common chronic disease of childhood. House dust mite (HDM) are known to be a major source of allergen affecting atopic asthmatics. No single control method has been demonstrated to consistently reduce asthma.
Objective:
We investigated the effect of a combination of two methods of HDM allergen control on HDM allergen content in the bedding and carpets of asthmatic children.
Methods:
This was a double-blind placebo-controlled trial treating the bedrooms of 56 mite-sensitive asthmatic children. The carpet and the mattress, duvet and pillows (bedding) in the bedroom of children of the active group were treated with the acaricide Acarosan (benzyl benzoate). The bedding was then encased in vapour permeable waterproof fabric (Intervent--cotton coated with polyurethane) for 24 weeks. The carpet and bedding of the control group were treated with placebo and the bedding encased in cotton covers for 24 weeks. Dust samples were collected from all these items in a standard manner at regular intervals and Der p I content analysed.
Results:
The group with active treatment had a median reduction of 480 ng (100%) in mite allergen from the mattress vs 215 ng (53%) reduction in placebo-treated group by 6 weeks. The Der p I content of the active group's bedding was always less than the placebo group after treatment (P < 0.01). The acaricide applied to the carpets or inside the mattress covers was ineffective in reducing allergen content.
Conclusion:
This study confirms the effectiveness of encasing covers in reducing the mite allergen exposure but indicates there is no further advantage in applying acaricide simultaneously.
Insights
Enclosing bedding in waterproof covers significantly reduced house dust mite (HDM) allergen exposure in asthmatic children. Applying acaricides simultaneously offered no additional benefit for controlling HDM allergens.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Respiratory Diseases
Background:
- Childhood asthma is a prevalent chronic condition.
- House dust mite (HDM) allergens are significant triggers for atopic asthmatics.
- Effective, consistent control methods for asthma remain elusive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the combined effect of two HDM allergen control strategies.
- To assess HDM allergen levels in bedding and carpets of asthmatic children.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 56 mite-sensitive asthmatic children.
- Active group: bedrooms treated with acaricide (benzyl benzoate) and bedding encased in waterproof covers.
- Control group: bedrooms treated with placebo and bedding encased in standard covers for 24 weeks.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in mite allergen (Der p I) from mattresses in the active treatment group.
- Bedding allergen levels consistently lower in the active group compared to placebo.
- Acaricide treatment on carpets or inside mattress covers showed no significant reduction in allergen content.
Conclusions:
- Encasing bedding is an effective method for reducing mite allergen exposure.
- Simultaneous application of acaricides with encasing covers provides no added advantage.
- Focusing on allergen-impermeable bedding covers is key for managing HDM-sensitive asthma.
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