New research questions the effectiveness of asthma aids - 16/4/08

Special equipment and aids for asthmatics such as vacuum cleaners and mattresses are not effective say researchers.

An analysis of different types of household appliances and products which are aimed at reducing dust mites found that a lot of them were ineffective and a waste of money. The research looked at 54 studies which involved more than 3,000 people and assessed how well the equipment cut dust mite numbers in their homes. Vacuum cleaners, special mattresses and other allergy reducing measures were found to be largely unsuccessful. The researchers suggested using traditional methods such as using mattress protectors and washing bedding at a high temperature are more cost effective than buying specialist aids and equipment and just as effective.

‘This research suggests that some asthma aids may not be effective in reducing dust mites. Asthma sufferers can help to reduce dust mites in the home by washing bedding regularly, dusting with a wet cloth and keeping the house well ventilated.’ said Dr Keith Prowse, Chairman of the British Lung Foundation. ‘Another tip is to put children’s cuddly toys in the freezer for half and hour to kill any dust mites which may live on them. More research is needed to understand the biological mechanisms that can trigger asthma and how to manage the condition effectively on a day to day basis’