The role of environmental allergen control in the management of asthma


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Kalayci O., Miligkos M., Pozo Beltran C. F., El-Sayed Z. A., Maximiliano Gomez R., Hossny E., ...More

WORLD ALLERGY ORGANIZATION JOURNAL, vol.15, no.3, 2022 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 15 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.waojou.2022.100634
  • Journal Name: WORLD ALLERGY ORGANIZATION JOURNAL
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, EMBASE, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Keywords: Asthma, Allergy, Allergen, Mites, Cockroach, Molds, Children, HOUSE-DUST-MITE, INNER-CITY ASTHMA, SKIN-TEST SENSITIVITY, MIDDLE-CLASS CHILDREN, MOUSE ALLERGEN, COCKROACH ALLERGEN, NATIONAL PREVALENCE, EXPOSURE REDUCTION, INDOOR ALLERGENS, CAT ALLERGEN
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Allergen exposure may exacerbate asthma symptoms in sensitized patients. Allergen reduction or avoidance measures have been widely utilized; however, there is ongoing controversy on the effectiveness of specific allergen control measures in the management of children with asthma. Often, allergen avoidance strategies are not recommended by guidelines because they can be complex or burdensome, although individual patients may benefit. Here we explore the potential for intervention against exposure to the major allergens implicated in asthma (ie, house dust mites, indoor molds, rodents, cockroaches, furry pets, and outdoor molds and pollens), and subsequent effects on asthma symptoms. We critically assess the available evidence regarding the clinical benefits of specific environmental control measures for each allergen. Finally, we underscore the need for standardized and multifaceted approaches in research and real-life settings, which would result in the identification of more personalized and beneficial prevention strategies.