Dust Mites, Diet Don’t Affect Kids’ Chances Of Getting Asthma: Study

Dust mites and diet – they’re two factors that have long been linked to asthma.

 

But a new study suggests that neither exposure to the common allergen nor dietary changes in the first few years of life prevents asthma in children who have a family history of the condition.

 

The specific dietary change in question involves increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids (commonly found in food oil) compared to the amount of omega-6 fatty acids taken in.

 

The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research in New South Wales, Australia conducted tests to see whether modifying either thing made an impact on the development of asthma and allergic disease in kids.

 

More than 600 youngsters participated in the study – on a random basis some were put on a diet with increased omega-3 fatty acids, some were given special measures to avoid their exposure to dust mites, others had both, and others had neither.

 

The children who avoided dust mites had no effect on the development of asthma, but reduced bedding allergen levels by 61 per cent. However, another allergic reaction – eczema – was more common in those who avoided the mites compared to those who were exposed to them.

 

As for the children with the diet controls, increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids didn’t prevent asthma, wheezing or eczema.

 

The study concluded that more work that needs to be done to figure out what circumstances would help to ward off asthma, given that previous reports suggest it is preventable.

 

Here’s how to figure out whether your asthma is under control, courtesy Mt. Sinai Hospital:

If your asthma is under control.

You should be using your reliever medication three times a week or less.

You should not be waking up from sleep because of your asthma.

You should not have to modify (restrict) any of your activities because of asthma.

You should not need urgent treatment (emergency department or walk-in clinic) for your asthma.

Warning Signs that Your Asthma is Out of Control

There are many signs that you may not know of, which indicate that your asthma is not well controlled. Often, early intervention can help control your asthma rather than letting it get worse. Here is a 30-second test that you can take that will tell you whether or not your asthma is out of control.

  1. Do you cough, wheeze, or have a tight chest because of your asthma?
  2. Do coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness wake you at night?
  3. Do you stop exercising because of your asthma?
  4. Do you ever miss school or work because of your asthma?
  5. Do you use your blue inhaler more than 3 times a week? (except one dose/day for exercise)

If you answered “YES” to one or more questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist how you can feel better.

The key to controlling asthma is making sure that you minimize environmental factors that contribute to asthma. Here are some tips on how to control your asthma and eliminate those asthma triggers:

  • Avoid respiratory irritants such as tobacco smoke
  • Try to reduce exposure to allergens, especially indoor allergens
  • Maintain a relative humidity below 50% within your house
  • Encase mattress and pillows in mite and mite allergen impermeable cases
  • Wash in hot (55 degrees Celsius) water
  • Remove carpeting where possible
  • Remove anything that collects dust
  • If a pet triggers asthma, remove the pet from the home or at least the bedroom, if you can
  • Use a HEPA air cleaner in the house
  • Vacuum regularly
  • Try to stay away from upholstered furniture
  • To avoid pollen, keep doors and windows closed
  • Use an air conditioner that filters air
  • Avoid sweeping
  • Use damp cloth to dust
  • Clean damp areas such as the basement and bathroom
  • Avoid strong smelling chemicals
  • Exercise indoors in cold weather

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