High home allergen levels linked to asthma
Published: March 6, 2008 at 12:14 AM
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., March 6 (UPI) -- A U.S. survey demonstrates that elevated allergen levels in the home are associated with asthma symptoms in allergic individuals.
Researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Iowa, Rho Inc. and the Constella Group suggest that asthmatics who have allergies may alleviate symptoms by reducing allergen exposures inside their homes.
"Indoor allergen exposures are of great importance in relation to asthma because most people spend a majority of their time indoors, especially at home," senior author Dr. Darryl Zeldin says in a statement.
The findings, published online in the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, found 52 percent of U.S. households have at least six detectable allergens and 46 percent have three or more at increased levels. The indoor allergens studied included those from dog, cat, mouse, cockroach, dust mite and the fungus Alternaria.
Several factors were found to contribute to the increased concentrations of allergens, including race, income, type of home and sources of allergens -- such as presence of pets and pests.
The findings highlight the importance of reducing exposure to allergens as a fundamental part of asthma management, the researchers say.
Researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Iowa, Rho Inc. and the Constella Group suggest that asthmatics who have allergies may alleviate symptoms by reducing allergen exposures inside their homes.
"Indoor allergen exposures are of great importance in relation to asthma because most people spend a majority of their time indoors, especially at home," senior author Dr. Darryl Zeldin says in a statement.
The findings, published online in the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, found 52 percent of U.S. households have at least six detectable allergens and 46 percent have three or more at increased levels. The indoor allergens studied included those from dog, cat, mouse, cockroach, dust mite and the fungus Alternaria.
Several factors were found to contribute to the increased concentrations of allergens, including race, income, type of home and sources of allergens -- such as presence of pets and pests.
The findings highlight the importance of reducing exposure to allergens as a fundamental part of asthma management, the researchers say.
© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
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