Dust mite covers effective in improving peak flow measurements
from the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology

MILWAUKEE - A new study provides evidence that people who have allergic asthma and use dust mite-impermeable bed covers have improved peak flow measurements. These findings are featured in the October 2004 Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology (JACI). The JACI is the peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).

Morning peak flow is an important asthma-related lung-function measurement factor that can show how well a person's asthma is under control. Lisette van dem Bemt, Msc, Maastricht University, The Netherlands, and colleagues studied 52 allergic asthma patients to determine the effectiveness of dust mite covers in reducing allergy and asthma symptoms.

Patients were randomly divided into either an intervention group receiving nonpolyurethane dust mite covers, or a placebo group receiving covers dust mites can permeate. During the study period, daily peak flow and asthma symptom scores were recorded, and dust samples from the mattresses were taken.

The study found that use of dust mite-impermeable covers resulted in an 87% reduction of dust mite allergens. Upon follow-up, researchers noted that the morning peak flow measurements of the patients in the intervention group improved significantly.

The study concluded that dust mite avoidance measures, such as the use of bed covers, may have beneficial effects on not only allergen reduction, but also in approving asthma symptoms. Past studies have shown that using bed covers reduces allergens, but this study is the first to show a link between allergen reduction and improved morning peak flow readings.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: This study was published in the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, but does not necessarily reflect the policies or the opinions of the Academy. To receive a copy of the study, please contact John Gardner (jgardner@aaaai.org) at (414) 272-6071. For more information and access to the archive of past JACI news releases, visit the Media Center of the AAAAI Web site, www.aaaai.org.