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In 80 percent of asthmatic patients the disease worsens due to a micro-organism called dust mite. Dust mite, the main cause of asthma is found in dust of the houses. It is not visible to naked eyes but can only be seen through microscope. Most of the asthmatics do not suffer an attack by the dust without mite, though very fine dust, such as dust in trains can aggravate in some sensitive patients.

Which part of House dust causes asthma?
People allergic to house dust were found not allergic to various constituents of house dust. The true nature of house dust antigen remained a mystery for decades. In 1964, a Dutch research team demonstrated that it was house dust mite called dermatopagoides pteronssinus which caused asthma. Later on, various types of  allergic mites were discovered in the house dust. 

What factors affect growth of dust mite ?
Dust mite grows rapidly, Dust mite is killed rapidly,
  • Humid places (optimum 75%).
  • Temperature of 22 degree celsius.
  • House dust settled for a long time.
  • Drying (Humidity less than 50%).
  • Heating (more than 50 degree celcius).
  • Regular cleaning and good ventilation.

HOW A DUST MITE CAUSES ASTHMA?
Example:
Lalita, a maid servant has been suffering from asthma. For last 3 months her asthma  was not under control inspite taking lot of drugs. On detailed investigations it was found that Lalita started work in a new house 4 months ago. This house had damp walls. 

Curiosity: 
What caused asthmatic episode?                   
How Lalita improved her athma?

Lalita had the habit of cleaning objects by knocking off the dust by a dusting cloth. It used to generate a dust cloud, which Lalita inhaled. Since dust of this damp house was rich in dust mite its regular contact aggravated her asthma. On  advice, Lalita adopted asthmatic style and instead of knocking down dust, she wiped it with a wet cloth. It reduced exposure to dust mite and improved her asthma.

Expert Comments:
Always try to avoid direct contact with dust.

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TRIGGER: DUST EXPOSURE

ASTHMATIC
STYLE
 

Brooming the floor, cleaning books, furnitures, almirah, stored clothes and grain sacs. House cleaning during festivals. Spider webs at room tops and room corners.

 
  • Cleaning should be done after wearing a dust mask and eye protection.
  • Floor should be cleaned by wiping with a wet cloth (wet mopping) so that dust does not scatter. At many places such as airports and hospitals this is a method of regular cleaning.
  • Use a damp or wet cloth for most of the cleaning. Articles like Almirah, Furniture, Fans etc. should be cleaned by wiping with a wet cloth.
  • Vacuum cleaner is a good alternative though expensive and inconvenient to use.
  
Cleaning cereals and spices.
  • Use wet mask picking from the container. Cereals like wheat should be washed, dried and then cleaned. Spices are cleaned by rubbing these over a wet cloth.
   
Standing near windows with heavy curtains.
  • Polyster and synthetic light coloured curtain should be fixed instead of heavy cotton dark colour curtains. The later attracts dust more.
  
Dust on almirah , ventilators and while using fan, in the beginning of summer.
  • Before using on fans in the beginning of summer, get fans almirah, and other high places cleaned with a wet cloth.

 
  
Carpets.
  • Do not use floor carpet and make it a point never to put it at least in the bedroom. As 1/3rd of the time of a person is passed in bedroom only, so it is essential that the bedroom should be devoid of dust mite . One should never carpet a room having room cooler since the cooler will increase humidity and the carpet will grow dust mite
  • Use Benzyl benzoate/tannic acid to kill dust mite.
  • Use a vacuum cleaner and put a mask over the face while cleaning.
  
Cotton pillows (Torn corners).
  • Check cotton pillows periodically . Ideally these should be encased in plastic covers. Use synthetic pillows instead of cotton.
    
Dampness in a House.
  • Protect walls from dampness. Points of water leakage in the walls and roof should be sealed.
  • Walls should be cleaned and painted.
  • In a house bathroom and kitchen are main sources of increasing humidity in a house. Hence kitchen and bathroom should be provided with an exhaust fan to remove humid air.
  • Avoid indoor plants in the house . Indoor plants are a source of humidity and moulds.
  • Use a dehumidifier at your place.
  
Breaking walls or dusting cement.
  • Use wet mask during work. Sprinkle water on the wall or wash the floor while clearing cement or mortar
   
Cushions having thick Covers, Bed, Files stored for a long period, Carved furniture, Wall hangings.
  • Minimize dust attracting things in the house e.g. thick cotton covers of sofa , cotton bags, open almirah with books ,pillows and cushions etc.
  • Plastic covers of thin polyester should be used for sofa, chairs cushions and pillows. Furniture should not be carved and plain furniture should be preferred.
  • Closed almirah could be better choice than open ones.
  • Woolen or cotton wall hangings should not be used. If wish to use a cloth painting use these after getting framed. Only those articles, which are easier to clean, should be used such as framed photographs and paintings.
   
Moving in a room which was closed for months.
  • Before cleaning keep such a room open for 2-3 days. Then do cleaning in asthmatic style
   
Using stored quilts.
  • Keep these quilts in sun for 2-3 days before use.
  • Quits should be exposed for 2-3 hours in sun atleast once a week.
  • If compelled to use a new/stored quilt put a washed bed sheet around it.
  
Children clothing and toys like teddy bear and dolls.
Replace such toys by plastic or metal ones. Avoid fur clothing and sweaters with furs or threads

  
Bed Linens, blankets, any bedding.
  • It is advisable to use allergen impermeable mattress and pillow encasing An allergen impermeable cover acts as a a barrier between the source of allergen within the bedding and the allergy sufferer.
  • If the allergen impermeable covers are not available then it is advisable to expose the bedding , mattress , blanket, pillow etc to sun for 2-3 hours once a week or should be washed with hot water once in two weeks.
Air filtration.
  • Air filtration may be helpful in removing dust allergen particle which have become air borne as result of disturbance from household cleaning or children's play. Small allergen particle such as cat dander, mold will remain air borne longer, and air filtration is even more beneficial for these particles. Along with these air filtrations can remove pollutants and smoke from the air.
Work involving handling of cotton e.g. charkha.
  • Use wet mask during work. Mask protect from dust and pollens


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