Clinical effectiveness of a mite allergen–impermeable bed-covering system in asthmatic mite-sensitive patients

Is there any role for allergen avoidance in the primary prevention of childhood asthma?

“…For this reason, we recently performed a trial in which asthmatic subjects were recruited who were sensitive to the house dust mite but not to (or not exposed to) other aeroallergens, such as cat or dog. 8 Despite achieving a reduction in house dust mite allergens of almost 90% (resulting in a geometric mean <1 mg/g), there was only a slight increase in peak flow and no change in symptoms. Therefore from these studies, it is reasonable to conclude that in real-life circumstances it is not possible to reduce the exposure to house dust mite in such a way that it has clinically relevant consequences for asthmatic patients.…”

Primary prevention of asthma and allergy

“…127,128 A number of RCTs have shown that HDM avoidance is effective in the secondary prevention of atopic dermatitis. 129 Allergen avoidance should remain an essential part of the management of allergic diseases, even if the benefit of mattress covers is in doubt.…”

Status of immunotherapy: is the time ripe for the secondary prevention of asthma and allergy?

“…The early intervention on asthma and allergy with HDM avoidance measures remains a contentious issue [28,29].…”