OK, so maybe that doesn’t really come as a surprise. After all, it’s no secret that things like dust mites, animal dander and urine, cockroach droppings and mold can trigger asthma symptoms in people with allergic asthma.

Still, this latest study from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), along with the University of Iowa, Rho Inc., and the Constella Group does confirm that relationship. Here are the highlights:

• Data from another study, the National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing, that examined homes of 2500 individuals in 75 locations, was used for this study.
• Multiple allergens were found in these homes, and race, income, type of home, and sources of allergens were found to be influencing factors.
• 52 percent of the home studied had at least 6 detectable allergens and 46 percent had 3 or more allergens at increased levels.
• Interestingly, homes with children living in them were less likely to have high levels of allergens, which researchers put down to the fact that these homes were probably cleaned more often because of the children.

So, what is the take away from a study that produced such seemingly obvious results?

Well, first of all, indoor allergen exposures are important in understanding allergic asthma because we spend so much time indoors. Secondly, the results highlight the need to reduce exposure to asthma triggers as a basic part of asthma management. Thirdly, the study confirms that indoor allergies play a major role in asthma.

So, do your part for yourself or your children by working to reduce indoor allergens in your home.

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