Effects of house dust mite avoidance measures on Der p 1 concentrations and clinical condition of mild adult house dust mite‐allergic asthmatic patients, using no inhaled steroids

Abstract

The combined avoidance strategy was effective in reducing HDM allergen concentration. This was especially achieved by the allergen-impermeable covers, while the effects of Acarosan(R) were only marginal. However, this allergen reduction was not reflected in a convincing improvement in clinical condition in this group of mild allergic asthmatics, using no inhaled steroids. Perhaps, a longer follow-up period would have resulted in more pronounced effects.

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

“…The instrument used for measuring symptoms has been proved sensitive in a previous study. 23 Therefore it seems likely to assume that the population was feeling rather asymptomatic. According to other studies, it seems essential to achieve and maintain a major reduction in allergen levels for many months before the effects on symptoms and pulmonary function become fully apparent.…”

Control of Exposure to Mite Allergen and Allergen-Impermeable Bed Covers for Adults with Asthma

“…5,10,21 Occupational asthma may be a useful model: although early diagnosis and removal from the workplace where the exposure has occurred are associated with recovery, 24 a long duration of exposure in sensitized subjects leads to persistent and sometimes progressive deterioration of asthma control, even if the exposure has ceased. 25 Thus, early detection and immediate cessation of exposure may be important factors for a favorable prognosis.…”

“…[5][6][7][8][9][10][11] It also remains unclear whether a major reduction in personal exposure, similar to that achieved at high altitudes, can be achieved in homes. Since mite allergens become airborne only after the disturbance of dust, it seems likely that most exposure occurs in bed.…”

Improving indoor environments: Reducing allergen exposures

“…6 More than a dozen clinical trials of allergenproof encasings have been published that were at least 3 months long and reported mite allergen levels in bedding. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] All of these trials report reduced allergen concentrations, but the degree of allergen reduction varied widely, from 39% to 99.9% (median, 89%), as did the final allergen concentrations achieved (range, 0.01-8.50 mg/g; median, 0.77 mg/g). It is not clear why such a wide range of effectiveness was seen in these trials, but the variations were not easily explained by the level of mite contamination, and many of the trials included bedding laundry, tannic acid, or acaricides.…”