Decimating Dust Mites Doesn't Stop Asthma

An analysis of clinical studies shows that even if you succeed in getting rid of most of the dust mites in your home, it won't prevent allergic asthma triggered by the Lilliputian pests.

Peter C. Gotzsche, MD, DrMedSci, director of the Nordic Cochrane Center in Copenhagen, Denmark, and colleague H.K. Johansen, MD, DrMedSci, analyzed 54 clinical trials involving more than 3,000 asthma patients.

In each trial, researchers took on house dust mites with physical methods such as mite-proof mattress casings and vacuums, mite-killing chemicals, or a combination of physical and chemical methods to fight the mite.

"We were unable to demonstrate any clinical benefit to mite-sensitive patients with asthma," Gotzsche and Johansen write. "We conclude that the trials of current chemical and physical methods aimed at reducing exposure to house dust mite allergens failed to find an effect."

The finding may come as a surprise to people allergic to dust mites, many of whom have spent -- and are spending -- serious time, money, and effort in their battle against the bugs.

cont su WebMd

Ero arrivato sulla mia pelle che i miei cari acari non mi creano così tanti problemi, come qualcuno sostiene, pur essendone allergico!