The benefit of using plastic-covered mattresses and pillows in the frequency of asthma attacks in children with house dust mite allergy
ABSTRACT: House dust mite
(HDM) is abundant in tropical areas with an environmental temperature of
25-300C and humidity of more than 50%. Minimizing exposure to HDM allergens
will decrease the frequency of asthma attacks in children with HDM
hyperreactivity.
Objective To investigate the benefit of using plastic covered mattresses
and pillows in decreasing the frequency of asthma attacks in children allergic
to HDM.
Methods This is a longitudinal analytical study on children aged 3–12
years who showed positive HDM skin prick test (SPT). The subjects received
communication, information, and education (CIE) for the first 3 months and CIE
and plastic-covered mattresses and pillows for the second 3 months. The
frequency of asthma attacks was observed for the two periods.
Results Twenty-six children with asthma were included in this study, 16
were boys and 10 were girls. SPT results were +2 in 17 children, +3 in 8
children, and +4 in 1 child, respectively. During the CIE as well as the CIE +
plastic intervention periods, asthma attack frequency was decreased
significantly in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd months. Among several variables (age,
sex, SPT, atopic history in first-degree relative, and other atopic history),
age was the only one significantly related to asthma attack frequency.
Conclusion Covering mattresses and pillows with plastic decreased the
frequency of asthma attacks in children with positive SPT to HDM.
Author: Luh Putu Winansari
Ratih, MD; Hendra Santosa, MD
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg050063
