Exposure to house-dust mite allergen (Der p I) and the development of asthma in childhood

Article Abstract:

In 1978, a group of 93 British couples who had children born in 1977 or 1978 were recruited for a study of the association between house-dust mite allergen concentration and the development of asthma in their children. At least one member of each of the couples had asthma or hay fever. In all, 67 children were enrolled in the study. The houses of 57 children were visited during their infancy, and samples of house dust were collected at that time and again in 1989. The children were skin tested and subjected to other tests designed to diagnosis atopy, a tendency to react strongly to allergic stimulation. Individuals with atopy react immediately to inhaled allergens (material to which they are allergic, such as house-dust mite allergens). The majority of children with asthma in the United Kingdom are extremely sensitive to house-dust mite allergens; 80 percent of these children have a positive skin test for this allergen compared with only 30 percent of nonasthmatic children. Of the 67 children included in this study, 35 were atopic and 32 were nonatopic (not sensitive). Seventeen children had active asthma by the conclusion of the experiment. Sixteen of the asthmatic children were found to be atopic, all of whom were found to be allergic to house-dust mites. The development of atopy was statistically related to the concentration of mites in the dust samples taken from the children's homes. In all but one of the children with asthma, exposure to house-dust mites had occurred before the age of one year. Children exposed to higher levels of the allergen had an earlier age of onset of asthma. Although family genetic history plays a role in the development of asthma in children, it is concluded that the level of house-dust mite allergen is a significant factor in the development of asthma. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Allergy, House-dust mite, Dust mites

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Asthma and indoor exposure to allergens

Article Abstract:

Allergy to insect allergens appears to play a role in asthma but it is not clear that reducing allergen levels will prevent the disease. The incidence of asthma has increased since the 1960's and is now very common among children. The rate is highest among inner-city blacks and exposure to dust mite and cockroach allergens has been linked to the disease. However, many poor African communities have low rates of asthma, leading to speculation that asthma is caused by factors in Western society. A 1997 study found that children who were allergic to cockroach allergens had higher rates of hospitalization for asthma.

Editorial, Environmental aspects, Asthma, Allergens, Insect allergy

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Choosing therapy for childhood asthma

Article Abstract:

Successful management of asthma requires a multifocal approach. Asthma is a breathing difficulty caused by airway constriction and lung inflammation, often stimulated by environmental factors. Drug treatment can include airway dilators and corticosteroids. Long-term use of steroids in children may result in slightly stunted growth, an effect which may reverse after treatment stops. Newer long-acting bronchodilators like salmeterol and formoterol may control asthma without retarding growth. Reducing allergic and environmental aggravators is an important part of asthma treatment.

Drug therapy, Antiasthmatic agents

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