Long-term effects of improved flooring and bedding for reducing mite allergen levels in bronchial asthmatic children

摘要

To reduce the symptoms of allergic diseases such as bronchial asthma that are caused by mite allergens, we attempted to reduce the volume of mite allergens in houses over a long term by replacing the flooring and bedding. Cork flooring was substitutedfor tatami mats (traditional Japanese straw mats), and mite-allergen-free bed linen sets were substituted for the children's bedding. A four-year followup survey was conducted on mite allergens in the patients' houses and on clinical findings such as the value of peak respiratory flow and the number of eosinophils in the peripheral blood of the children before and after the changes in flooring and bedding. Mite allergens remained below the sensitization risk level of less than 2 mu g/g of fine dust recommended by The World Health Organization (WHO) over a four-year period encompassing most of the study term. The anti-mite treatments used on the floors and bedding were confirmed to be effective for reducing allergens and decreasing the symptoms of bronchial asthma.