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- Title
Efficacy of an air-cleaning device equipped with a high efficiency particulate air filter in house dust mite respiratory allergy.
- Authors
Antonicelli, L.; Bilò, M. B.; Pucci, S.; Schou, C.; Bonifazi, F.
- Abstract
The efficacy of an air-cleaning device equipped with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter (without further avoidance measures) was studied in patients allergic to house dust mite. The effects of the air-cleaner on indoor <em>Dermatophagoides</em> sp. levels, symptom score and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in nine mite-allergic patients were assessed using a cross-over controlled study. No significant effect was demonstrated on indoor <em>Dermatophagoides</em> sp. levels when comparing the period of air-cleaner activity (2 months) with the control period (2 months). The <em>Dermatophagoides</em> sp. levels in the houses studied were lower than the risk level for asthmatic attacks, making it difficult to assess any effect on asthma; however, neither bronchial hyperresponsiveness nor rhinitis symptom score were changed by air-cleaner activity. During the trial period, however the mean level of <em>Dermatophagoides</em> sp. allergen in the houses changed spontaneously from 4.4 μg/g ( mean level in the first 2 trial months) to 1.75 μg/g of dust (second 2 months) (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Owing to this change, the mean rhinitis symptom score also decreased (<em>P</em> < 0.05), even if no significant correlation was demonstrated (r = 0.4 <em>P</em> = 0.089). HEPA filter air-cleaners appear insufficient as substitutes for standard avoidance measures in mite allergic patients.
- Subjects
RESPIRATORY allergy; DERMATOPHAGOIDES; ASTHMA; PATIENTS; OBSTRUCTIVE lung diseases; RESPIRATORY diseases
- Publication
Allergy, 1991, Vol 46, Issue 8, p594
- ISSN
0105-4538
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1398-9995.1991.tb00629.x