Hypersensitivity to allergens is a common contributing factor in asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis. These symptoms can be frustrating to patients and can also be dangerous if they contribute to worsening asthma. Patients are often sensitized to one or more major indoor allergens, and the accumulation of these allergens contributes significantly to disease. Minimizing exposure to such allergens as dust mites, pet dander and mold can improve symptoms and provide relief to patients.
Dust Mites and Allergies
Dust is composed of small amounts of pet dander, mold and dust mites. Dust mites are very tiny insects that can colonize common household surfaces such as bedding, carpets, mattresses and stuffed animals, explains the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, or the NIAID. They are present in most households and particularly in humid areas of the country. Exposure is primarily through bedding and contact with other woven materials rather than through the air. The fecal material of dust mites is the allergen that the body responds to and is difficult to eliminate.
Benefits
According to the NIAID, each allergen that a patient is exposed to makes it more likely that a sensitive patient will have a reaction. Therefore, decreasing the overall "allergy load" will reduce the likelihood that a patient will exhibit symptoms. In a study in The New England Journal of Medicine, lead researcher Ashley Woodcock, M.D., demonstrated a decrease in bronchial hyperreactivity (the way in which the airways respond to allergens) after decreasing the burden of dust mites. While the research was not conclusive, it did suggest that reducing the amount of dust a patient is exposed to may improve his asthma. Likewise, it is possible that decreasing a patient's exposure to dust and dust mites may improve conditions such as atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis as well.
Considerations
Whenever possible, upholstery and fabric should be limited to achieve a dust-free bedroom. Plastic covers can be placed over bedding and over mattresses. If plastic covers are uncomfortable, a similar effect can be obtained with specially designed synthetic coverings. Clothing can be stored in zip-locked bags and in boxes set up off the floor if they cannot be stored elsewhere. Stuffed toys should be limited in children's rooms, and it is ideal if carpeting is replaced with hardwood or tile. According to the NIAID, reduction of access to woven materials makes it difficult for the dust mite allergen to accumulate.
Costs
The creation of a dust-free bedroom can be costly, both in terms of time and finances. Specialty hypoallergenic covers and a plastic encasing for a mattress can cost up to a few hundred dollars--and the financial burden can be even greater if the patient chooses to remove carpeting and replace it with a different type of flooring. However, these considerations should be balanced with the possibility of fewer visits to the doctor and other health-related costs. According to the NIAID, reducing exposure to allergens in children with asthma results in a better quality of life and fewer emergency room visits.
Warning
While achieving a dust-free bedroom is likely to reduce symptoms in a dust-sensitive individual, many patients have multiple allergies. Outdoor allergens such as pollen and ragweed can also contribute to symptoms. If a patient is suffering from allergies, it is often helpful for her to get skin tested for potential allergens so she can reduce exposure by targeting these specific allergens.
References
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Airborne Allergens: Something in the Air
- "The New England Journal of Medicine"; Control of Exposure to Mite Allergen and Allergen-Impermeable Bed Covers for Adults with Asthma; Ashley Woodcock et al.; July 2003
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Customized Program Reduces Asthma Symptoms in Inner-City Children
