By: Tajinder Panesar, Kingston University

The exposure to house dust mite allergen is recognized as an important risk factor for the development of asthma1. Dust mite sensitive asthmatics who are exposed to high levels of dust mites have a much higher incidence and severity of asthma attacks and consequently need more medical care. Recent research suggests that high levels of dust mite allergen in the house increases the risk of sensitization in atopic children as well as the occurrence of asthmatic symptoms. Moving children with dust mite-sensitive asthma from their homes to low allergen environments showed marked improvement in airway reactivity and inflammation. Allergic diseases are well known risk factors for asthma, and in many western countries, house dust mite was found to be the most prevalent allergen and the most strongly associated with occurrence of asthma, whereas other allergies were only slightly associated with asthma2.

The most commonly occurring dust mite in Western Europe is Dermatophagoides pteronyssinusm (Der p 1). Dust samples were taken from several childrens' bedroom floors with carpets, and this allergen was measured. This showed that the levels of Der p1 were higher in rooms with carpets compared to those with smooth floors. And as a consequence, children in rooms with higher levels of allergens experienced more of the common symptoms of dust mite allergy, such as coughing, sneezing, wheezing etc. It has been calculated that one square yard of a typical carpet contains up to 100,000 dust mites and anyone in the household can be susceptible to coming in contact with the mite droppings, which causes all the typical allergic symptoms.

Dust mites are known to sensitise someone sensitive to allergens, increasing the chances of people becoming more susceptible to asthma. Several studies have been conducted which look at the association between doctor-diagnosed asthma and people that are allergic to dust or dust mites in the household. This confirmed that there is a strong association between these conditions .2

Several studies have shown that exposure to house dust mite allergen in early childhood is associated with mite sensitization, which is a strong risk factor for the development of atopic disease. Since dust mites are invisible to the naked eye, they can be found mostly in moist environments such as carpets, mattresses and pillows. The best way to alleviate atopic asthmatic attacks is by having a clean dust free household environment. The simplest way to control dust mite population is to maintain a low relative humidity in the home by using a Dehumidifier, and vacuuming carpets on a regular basis. Airborne allegens can be effectively controlled by using appliances with high efficiency filters, such as Air Conditioners, Air Purifiers and Air Coolers . Dust mites can also be killed with heat, so it is important to regularly wash bedding at a high temperature, at least 60º, and to use heat treatments such as Steam Cleaners to help sterilize carpets, garments and furnishings as well.

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1. Zock JP, Brunekreef B et al. House Dustmite allergen in bedroom floor and dust respiratory health of children with asthmatic symptoms. Eur Respir J: 1994: 7: 1254-1259

2. Wieringa MH, Weyler JJ, Van Bastelaer et al. Higher asthma occurrence in an urban than a suburban area: role of house dust mite skin allergy. Eur Respir J :1997: 10: 1460-1466.

3. Woodcock A, M.D, Forster L, Ph.D et al. Control of Exposure to Mite Allergen and Allergen-Impermeable Bed covers for Adults with Asthma.