Information for parents

The presence of dust mite allergens in the home, has particular significance to parents:

• Expectant parents: Some new studies suggest that allergens, such as those from the house dust mite, can cross the placental barrier from mother to child. Although it is not clear how much effect this has in later life, there is clear evidence that environmental exposure to indoor allergens has a major influence on the development and severity of allergies.

• Babies: The British Medical Association has stated that "a child who is exposed to high levels of house dust mite allergen in the first year of life is statistically more likely to develop asthma in childhood and in the teens". Babies spend most of their time in the cot or the parents' bed and care should be taken to ensure that these, as well as surrounding carpets, and soft toys have low dust mite allergen levels.

"There are strong indications to suggest that manipulation of the environment to reduce the exposure of allergens and adjuvant factors in the first few months of life may reduce the risk of development of allergy and subsequent asthma."

RESPIRATORY MEDICINE Warner, J.A. et al;

March 1991,Vol. 85 (2); 103-104 (40 Ref.)

"Allergen Avoidance in Childhood Asthma"

• Young children: Most children develop asthma between the ages of three and eight. Allergen reduction in the first years of life can help reduce the risk of developing asthma. While there is a genetic element, with asthma and other allergies tending to run in families, there is clear evidence that environmental exposure to indoor allergens has a major influence on the development and severity of allergies. If your child has asthma, it is important to follow the program prescribed by your doctor, but you can help your child control their symptoms by reducing allergen levels in the home.

"Allergy to house dust mites requires precautions to minimize exposure to mite allergens. Avoidance in the bedroom is often sufficient because children spend more time there than in other rooms of the house."

NELSON TEXTBOOK OF PEDIATRICS

Behman, Richard E., ed.

Philadelphia: Saunders P, 1992.