Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation on House Dust Mite Sensitive Asthma

Overview

Asthma has become increasingly common in the UK, demanding our consideration of the cause. Many patients with asthma are allergic to house dust mites, which thrive in modern housing. Improving ventilation in the home has been shown to reduce dust mite levels, by reducing humidity levels. It is hoped that, by removing the dust mites from homes, asthma may improve. In this study, 140 volunteers will have their carpets steam-cleaned and new allergy bedding provided, before a team of architects installs a ventilation system in the loft. Half of the units will be switched on at the beginning of the study. The other half will be switched on in 12 months time, but only the architects know which units are active. The medical team will compare the asthma, and measures of inflammation in the airways, over that year. It is due for completion in April 2007.

The prevalence of asthma is rising sharply in the UK. The house dust mite is the most common trigger associated with asthma, thriving in the humid microclimate favoured by modern housing. Could this be redressed by investment in improved ventilation in local housing? In a pilot study in North Lanarkshire Council housing stock, we demonstrated that dust mite avoidance, in combination with installation of domestic mechanical heat recovery ventilation (MHRV), could inhibit the re-colonisation of house dust mites by reduction of indoor air humidity. In this second phase, a double blind randomized placebo- controlled trial will test the resultant effect on asthma. It will be complete in November 2006. 140 patients with asthma and house dust mite allergy are being recruited and all will have new bedding, mattress covers and carpets cleaned. All will have MHRV units installed in their home, but only half will be activated, before 12 months of environmental and clinical monitoring. The primary endpoint is morning peak flow rate. Secondary endpoints include symptom scores, spirometry, rates of exacerbations, quality-of-life, and economic evaluations. Demonstration that well ventilated, energy efficient dwellings improve the respiratory health of patients with allergic asthma could be of considerable importance in helping the NHS cope with the commonest chronic disease in Scotland.