Dust-mite control measures of no use.

摘要

There is no evidence that interventions, such as using mattress protectors and removing soft toys from beds, are beneficial in the management of asthma in people who are sensitive to house dust mites. This is the conclusion made by the latest evidence from the Cochrane Collaboration on physical and chemical measures to control dust-mite levels. The review pooled data from 54 trials of 3002 patients with asthma. Interventions included chemical sprays and powders, mattress encasings, vacuuming, frequent washing of linen- at high temperatures, and removal of soft toys from beds. Outcomes were measured as improvements in asthma symptom scores, medication usage, FEVj levels, and peak-flow measurements. The results confirmed those from the Collaboration's earlier 2004 review of 49 trials, so these conclusions do not come as a surprise. But why is no one listening?