Asthma, allergic rhinitis: useless anti-mite covers?
Asthma, allergic rhinitis, anti-mite covers on mattresses and placed the pillows would prove clinically ineffective in the prevention of asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Mites are the essential and ubiquitous allergen. They are involved in allergic skin phenomena, ENT and bronchial. People allergic to dust mites must protect themselves. Far from being infallible, certain eviction actions must be implemented: anti-mite covers to place on the mattress, duvet and pillow, regular washing of bedding, removal of “dust traps” (carpet, plush curtains, carpets), no pet hair, use of product miticide, escape exposure to secondhand smoke, not to mention the general dietary measures.
But this list covers the use of anti-mite may soon disappear after the results of two studies suggesting their lack of effectiveness.
The first focused on 1200 adults with asthma divided into two groups according to whether they used covers. The morning peak expiratory flow (PEF) was determined regularly and the number of patients could reduce their dose of inhaled corticosteroid was recorded in the 6th and 12th month. The concentration of dust mites in mattresses was also analyzed.
The authors note as well that the concentration of mites was significantly lower in patients using bedding covers in the control group at six months, but not at 12 months. The DEP has improved similarly in both groups. And finally, regarding the reduction or discontinuation of corticosteroids, again, no difference was noted.
Finally, as an intervention alone, anti-mite covers seem ineffective in adults with asthma.
The second study was conducted among 230 patients with allergic rhinitis and sensitive to dust mites. During the 12 months of follow-up, the severity of rhinitis was measured and compared to the concentration of mite mattress. The results show that the concentration was actually decreased in the patient environment equipped with covers, compared to control subjects. But despite the reduction of mite allergen exposure related to the use of covers, this measure alone does not improve symptoms of patients.
Pending further evidence to this effect, we can advise patients to carefully observe all preventive measures avoidance of dust mites, and not confined to mere compliance with one of them.