© Copyright Susan Millar

Doctors and researchers agree that the single most important thing that parents can do to prevent their child from developing asthma in the first place is to eliminate or significantly reduce dust mite allergens or asthma triggers in the home.

"Clinical studies have revealed that avoidance of dust mite allergens in early childhood can prevent the onset of asthma..." Michael LeNoir Md

Dust mite allergens are known to play a major role in it's development. Researchers have determined that other important allergens (after dust mites) that also need to be eliminated from the home are cats, certain types of mold, dogs, cockroaches and tobacco smoke. It is a popular misconception that children will "outgrow" asthma. It is a severe and potentially life-threatening illness that should be taken seriously. Long term use of steroid drugs is not recommended by doctors and has serious side effects. Making these preventative environmental changes is a much more viable, healthy and preferable alternative. If you or your child are already suffering from asthma or allergies these measures will certainly help.

What are Dust Mites?

Dust mites are microscopic insects that live in bedding, pillows, mattresses, blankets, upholstery, carpets etc. They thrive particularly in humid climates. They live off of dead skin cells and produce an allergen from their excrement which is inhaled.

All Homes Contain Dust Mites No Matter How Clean They Are

Studies have shown that dust mite allergens in the home must be reduced to at least 2mcg/g dust or mite populations decreased to 100/g dust to have any significant benefit. There are several things that can be done to accomplish this.

What Can Be Done To Eliminate or Reduce Dust Mites?

Researchers have found through numerous studies that these are the most effective measures:

• Changing the relative humidity and temperature of the home
  
  
• Keeping relative humidity less than 50% is proven to greatly reduce the dust mite population. (Portable dehumidifiers were not shown to significantly reduce humidity.
  
  
• Mechanical ventilation with a heat recovery unit has proved to be the most effective to reduce humidity in the home.
  
  
• Using air cleaners that have HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which will also eliminate other allergens such as pollen and animal dander.
  
  
• Cleaning using a vacuum with a HEPA filter and steam cleaning rugs and upholstery regularly.
  
  
• Washing all bedding in hot water (60 degrees C, 130 degrees F) on a weekly basis is known to kill dust mites. Drying bedding in a hot dryer.
  
  
• Dry cleaning quilts and blankets weekly will also kill dust mites.
  
  
• Placing plastic casings specifically made for dust mite control on pillows and mattresses.
  
  
• Chemicals used on carpets and upholstery which are known to kill dust mites include benzyl benzoate, permethrin, pirimiphos methyl, phenyl salicylate, tannic acid, common household disinfectants, combinations of these, and insect growth regulators.

(please note: some chemicals can also trigger asthma and allergy reactions, therefore research them carefully before using).

This information will help to prevent asthma development in children, however if you or your child already suffer from asthma, then check out this asthma treatment that eliminates asthma symptoms safely and effectively.

Susan Millar is a former asthma and allergy sufferer. She is a researcher and the author of "The Dramatic Asthma Relief Report, based on extensive research from internationally respected medical publications about genuinely effective alternative treatment for asthma & allergies, which helped her to eliminate her asthma and allergies. This book has helped many other sufferers worldwide to do the same.