1
|
Xing Y, Wang MH, Leung TF, Wong CK, Roponen M, Schaub B, Li J, Wong GWK. Poultry exposure and environmental protection against asthma in rural children. Allergy 2022; 77:2949-2960. [PMID: 35531632 DOI: 10.1111/all.15365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood, and the prevalence has been increasing over the past few decades. One of the most consistent epidemiological findings is that children living in a farming or rural environment are protected from development of asthma and allergies, but the protective factors in rural China are not clear. METHODS A community-based, cross-sectional epidemiological study was performed in a total of 17,587 children aged 5-8 years, 3435 from Hong Kong (urban) and 14,152 from Conghua (rural county in southern China). Asthma and allergic symptoms as well as environmental exposures were ascertained by using a standardized and validated questionnaire. RESULTS The prevalence of current wheeze was significantly lower in rural Conghua than that of urban Hong Kong (1.7% vs. 7.7%, p < 0.001). A lower rate of asthma ever was also reported in rural children compared with their urban counterparts (2.5% vs. 5.3%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, exposure to agricultural farming (adjusted odds ratio 0.74, 95% confidence interval: 0.56-0.97) and poultry (0.75, 0.59-0.96) were the most important factors associated with the asthma-protective effect in the rural area. Further propensity score-adjusted analysis indicated that such protection conferred by living in the rural environment was mainly attributable to poultry exposure. CONCLUSIONS We confirmed that the prevalence of asthma and atopic disorders was significantly lower in rural children when compared with their urban peers. Exposure to poultry and agricultural farming are the most important factors associated with asthma protection in the rural area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Xing
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Maggie H Wang
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ting-Fan Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chun-Kwok Wong
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Marjut Roponen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Bianca Schaub
- Pediatric Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gary W K Wong
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Crane J. Animal fur and asthma: an indoor farmyard phenomenon? Eur Respir J 2016; 46:5-7. [PMID: 26130772 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00782-2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julian Crane
- Dept of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dick S, Friend A, Dynes K, AlKandari F, Doust E, Cowie H, Ayres JG, Turner SW. A systematic review of associations between environmental exposures and development of asthma in children aged up to 9 years. BMJ Open 2014; 4:e006554. [PMID: 25421340 PMCID: PMC4244417 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-006554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Childhood asthma is a complex condition where many environmental factors are implicated in causation. The aim of this study was to complete a systematic review of the literature describing associations between environmental exposures and the development of asthma in young children. SETTING A systematic review of the literature up to November 2013 was conducted using key words agreed by the research team. Abstracts were screened and potentially eligible papers reviewed. Papers describing associations between exposures and exacerbation of pre-existing asthma were not included. Papers were placed into the following predefined categories: secondhand smoke (SHS), inhaled chemicals, damp housing/mould, inhaled allergens, air pollution, domestic combustion, dietary exposures, respiratory virus infection and medications. PARTICIPANTS Children aged up to 9 years. PRIMARY OUTCOMES Diagnosed asthma and wheeze. RESULTS 14,691 abstracts were identified, 207 papers reviewed and 135 included in the present review of which 15 were systematic reviews, 6 were meta-analyses and 14 were intervention studies. There was consistent evidence linking exposures to SHS, inhaled chemicals, mould, ambient air pollutants, some deficiencies in maternal diet and respiratory viruses to an increased risk for asthma (OR typically increased by 1.5-2.0). There was less consistent evidence linking exposures to pets, breast feeding and infant dietary exposures to asthma risk, and although there were consistent associations between exposures to antibiotics and paracetamol in early life, these associations might reflect reverse causation. There was good evidence that exposures to house dust mites (in isolation) was not associated with asthma risk. Evidence from observational and intervention studies suggest that interactions between exposures were important to asthma causation, where the effect size was typically 1.5-3.0. CONCLUSIONS There are many publications reporting associations between environmental exposures and modest changes in risk for asthma in young children, and this review highlights the complex interactions between exposures that further increase risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Dick
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - A Friend
- Department of Child Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - K Dynes
- Department of Child Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - F AlKandari
- Department of Child Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - E Doust
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, UK
| | - H Cowie
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, UK
| | - J G Ayres
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- Environmental and Respiratory Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - S W Turner
- Department of Child Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hendizadeh L, Zaghi S, Yaphockun K, Molas-Torreblanca K, Don D. Neck abscess due to goose feathers leaked from a down comforter: case report, review of literature, and recommendations for parents. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2013; 52:707-9. [PMID: 23539688 DOI: 10.1177/0009922813482517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We present a 10-month-old baby girl who developed a neck abscess from the penetration of neck skin by 2 goose feathers that leaked from a down comforter. We review the risks of down and feather bedding and discuss consumer recommendations for parents and pediatricians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leenoy Hendizadeh
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1624, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Siebers R. Feather pillows and the increased risk of childhood asthma. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2012; 216:214-5. [PMID: 22406353 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2012.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Siebers
- Wellington Asthma and Respiratory Research Group, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen YC, Tsai CH, Lee YL. Early-life indoor environmental exposures increase the risk of childhood asthma. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2011; 215:19-25. [PMID: 21835690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2011.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2011] [Revised: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 07/17/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
We aim to explore the relationships between exposure to dampness, pets, and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) early in life and asthma in Taiwanese children, and to discuss their links to early- and late-onset asthma. We conducted a 1:2 matched case-control study from the Taiwan Children Health Study, which was a nationwide study that recruited 12-to-14 year-old school children in 14 communities. The 579 mothers of the participants were interviewed by telephone about their children's environmental exposures before they were 5 years old, including the in-utero period. Childhood asthma was associated with exposure to early life environmental factors, such as cockroaches (OR=2.16; 95% CI, 1.15-4.07), visible mould (OR=1.75; 95% CI, 1.15-2.67), mildewy odors (OR=5.04; 95% CI, 2.42-10.50), carpet (OR=2.36; 95% CI, 1.38-4.05), pets (OR=2.11; 95% CI, 1.20-3.72), and more than one hour of ETS per day (OR=1.93; 95% CI, 1.16-3.23). The ORs for mildewy odors, feather pillows, and ETS during early childhood were greater among children with late-onset asthma. Cockroaches, carpet, pets, and in-utero exposures to ETS affected the timing of early-onset asthma. Exposure to these factors led to dose-responsiveness in the risk of asthma. And the earlier exposures may trigger the earlier onset. Interventions in avoiding these environmental exposures are necessary for early-prevention of childhood asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Ching Chen
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, 17 Xuzhou Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Glasgow NJ, Ponsonby AL, Kemp A, Tovey E, van Asperen P, McKay K, Forbes S. Feather bedding and childhood asthma associated with house dust mite sensitisation: a randomised controlled trial. Arch Dis Child 2011; 96:541-7. [PMID: 21451166 PMCID: PMC3093241 DOI: 10.1136/adc.2010.189696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Observational studies report inverse associations between the use of feather upper bedding (pillow and/or quilt) and asthma symptoms but there is no randomised controlled trial (RCT) evidence assessing the role of feather upper bedding as a secondary prevention measure. OBJECTIVE To determine whether, among children not using feather upper bedding, a new feather pillow and feather quilt reduces asthma severity among house dust mite (HDM) sensitised children with asthma over a 1-year period compared with standard dust mite avoidance advice, and giving children a new mite-occlusive mattress cover. DESIGN RCT. SETTING The Calvary Hospital in the Australian Capital Territory and the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales. PATIENTS 197 children with HDM sensitisation and moderate to severe asthma. Intervention New upper bedding duck feather pillow and quilt and a mite-occlusive mattress cover (feather) versus standard care and a mite-occlusive mattress cover (standard). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The proportion of children reporting four or more episodes of wheeze in the past year; an episode of speech-limiting wheeze; or one or more episodes of sleep disturbance caused by wheezing; and spirometry with challenge testing. Statistical analysis included multiple logistic and linear regression. RESULTS No differences between groups were found for primary end points--frequent wheeze (OR 1.51, 95% CI 0.83 to 2.76, p=0.17), speech-limiting wheeze (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.48, p=0.35), sleep disturbed because of wheezing (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.64 to 2.13, p=0.61) or for any secondary end points. Secondary analyses indicated the intervention reduced the risk of sleep being disturbed because of wheezing and severe wheeze to a greater extent for children who slept supine. CONCLUSION No differences in respiratory symptoms or lung function were observed 1 year after children with moderate-severe asthma and HDM sensitisation were given a mite-occlusive mattress cover and then received either feather upper bedding (pillow and quilt) or standard bedding care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne-Louise Ponsonby
- Medical School, The Australian National University, Acton, Australia,Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Kemp
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Euan Tovey
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter van Asperen
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen McKay
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Samantha Forbes
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Siebers R. Comment on "Prevalence and risk factors for allergic rhinitis in primary school children in Budapest" by Monika Sultész et al. [Int. J. Pediatr. Otorhinolaryngol. 74 (2010) 503-509]. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2010; 74:1340; author reply 1340-1. [PMID: 20800296 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2010.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2010] [Accepted: 07/23/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
9
|
Alm B, Åberg N, Erdes L, Möllborg P, Pettersson R, Norvenius SG, Goksör E, Wennergren G. Early introduction of fish decreases the risk of eczema in infants. Arch Dis Child 2009; 94:11-5. [PMID: 18818269 PMCID: PMC2597687 DOI: 10.1136/adc.2008.140418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atopic eczema in infants has increased in western societies. Environmental factors and the introduction of food may affect the risk of eczema. AIMS To investigate the prevalence of eczema among infants in western Sweden, describe patterns of food introduction and assess risk factors for eczema at 1 year of age. METHODS Data were obtained from a prospective, longitudinal cohort study of infants born in western Sweden in 2003; 8176 families were randomly selected and, 6 months after the infant's birth, were invited to participate and received questionnaires. A second questionnaire was sent out when the infants were 12 months old. Both questionnaires were completed and medical birth register data were obtained for 4921 infants (60.2% of the selected population). RESULTS At 1 year of age, 20.9% of the infants had previous or current eczema. Median age at onset was 4 months. In multivariable analysis, familial occurrence of eczema, especially in siblings (OR 1.87; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50 to 2.33) or the mother (OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.30 to 1.84), remained an independent risk factor. Introducing fish before 9 months of age (OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.62 to 0.94) and having a bird in the home (OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.17 to 0.75) were beneficial. CONCLUSIONS One in five infants suffer from eczema during the first year of life. Familial eczema increased the risk, while early fish introduction and bird keeping decreased it. Breast feeding and time of milk and egg introduction did not affect the risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Alm
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Gothenburg, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - N Åberg
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Gothenburg, Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - L Erdes
- Paediatric Outpatient Clinic, Skene Hospital, Skene, Sweden
| | - P Möllborg
- Central Infant Welfare Unit, Uddevalla Hospital, Uddevalla, Sweden
| | - R Pettersson
- Department of Paediatrics, Skaraborg Hospital, Skövde, Sweden
| | - S G Norvenius
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Gothenburg, Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - E Goksör
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Gothenburg, Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - G Wennergren
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Gothenburg, Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rosetta L, Baldi A. On the role of breastfeeding in health promotion and the prevention of allergic diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2008; 606:467-83. [PMID: 18183942 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-74087-4_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Based on animal models, we specify the major role of different bioactive milk components known to participate significantly in neonatal health promotion and in protection against a large number of infectious diseases and the development of allergies and asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Rosetta
- CNRS UPR 2147, 44 rue de, Amidal Mouchez, 75044 Paris, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Tanaka K, Miyake Y, Kiyohara C. Environmental factors and allergic disorders. Allergol Int 2007; 56:363-96. [PMID: 17965579 DOI: 10.2332/allergolint.r-07-143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2007] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite numerous studies on possible associations between environmental exposure and allergic disorders, any conclusions made remain a matter of controversy. We conducted a review of evidence in relation to environmental and nutritional determinants and wheeze, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis. Identified were 263 articles for analysis after consideration of 1093 papers that were published since 2000 and selected by electronic search of the PubMed database using keywords relevant to epidemiological studies. Most were cross-sectional and case-control studies. Several prospective cohort studies revealed inconsistent associations between various environmental factors and the risk of any allergic disorder. Therefore, the evidence was inadequate to infer the presence or absence of a causal relationship between various environmental exposures and allergic diseases. However, evidence is suggestive of positive associations of allergies with heredity. Because almost all the studies were performed in Western countries, the application of these findings to people in other countries, including Japan, may not be appropriate. Further epidemiological information gained from population-based prospective cohort studies, in particular among Japanese together with other Asians, is needed to assess causal relationships between various environmental factors and allergic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Tanaka
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wong GWK, Leung TF, Ma Y, Liu EKH, Yung E, Lai CKW. Symptoms of asthma and atopic disorders in preschool children: prevalence and risk factors. Clin Exp Allergy 2007; 37:174-9. [PMID: 17250689 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2007.02649.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Published epidemiological data suggested that asthma and allergies may be increasing in preschool children. Identification of the risk factors is important for planning possible early intervention to prevent asthma. This study was designed to measure the prevalence of, and risk factors for, asthma and atopic disorders in preschool children from Hong Kong. METHODS Children aged 2-6 years living in Hong Kong were recruited through the local nurseries and kindergartens for this study to ascertain the presence of symptoms of asthma and various possible risk factors. The parental questionnaire was developed based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 3089 children (1506 boys) from 14 nurseries and kindergartens participated in this study. The prevalence of wheeze ever and current wheeze were 16.7% and 9.3%. Two hundred and thirty-four subjects were born in mainland China and migrated to Hong Kong subsequently. When compared with children born and raised in Hong Kong, children born in mainland China had significantly lower prevalence of current wheeze (3.4% vs. 9.6%, P<0.01). Two environmental factors in the first year of life were associated with wheezing attacks within the last 12 months. They were the use of foam pillow (Odds ratio: 1.45; 95% Confidence interval: 1.04-2.00) and the use of gas as cooking fuel (1.68; 1.03-2.75). Frequent use of paracetamol was also associated with wheezing attack in the past 12 months. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the high prevalence of symptoms of atopic disorders in preschool children from Hong Kong. Early environmental exposure factors are important determinants of subsequent development of asthma symptoms in the preschool years. Further studies are needed to evaluate the possible pathogenetic role of the identified risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G W K Wong
- Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Liccardi G, Cazzola M, Walter Canonica G, Passalacqua G, D'Amato G. New insights in allergen avoidance measures for mite and pet sensitized patients. A critical appraisal. Respir Med 2006; 99:1363-76. [PMID: 15890511 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2005.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2004] [Accepted: 03/09/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
It is widely acknowledged that avoidance of allergens such as those derived from foods, drugs, latex and stinging insects results in a complete disappearance of symptoms. By contrast, although it has been clearly shown that allergens are an important risk factor for the development of respiratory symptoms and that several avoidance measures reduce allergen levels, whether this gives clinical improvement in symptoms is debatable. Many reasons could be invoked to justify this evident discrepancy. Apart from the intrinsic methodological aspects (e.g. single or combined interventions measure, population studied, severity of respiratory symptoms, outcomes, evaluated parameters, etc.), it is important to outline that a successful approach requires that the avoided allergen is the only and real factor responsible for symptoms, the patient's education and the use of a comprehensive protocol to reduce allergen exposure. Other important factors include the involvement of the patient, the relevance of other allergens/non-specific agents, and exposure to sensitizing agents also outside patient's home. It is likely that the clinical phase of allergic airway disease and the degree of bronchial (and also nasal) remodelling, in each individual, represent relevant factors for the clinical outcome of allergen avoidance procedures. Since the management of respiratory allergy is a complex strategy (including drugs, allergen avoidance, immunological and educational interventions), it is difficult in real life to distinguish the efficacy of a single intervention in comparison to the others. A combined strategy is likely to produce better clinical results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Liccardi
- Department of Chest Diseases. Division of Pneumology and Allergology A. Cardarelli Hospital, Rione Sirignano, no. 10, 80121, Naples Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Behrens T, Maziak W, Weiland SK, Siebert E, Rzehak P, Keil U. The Use of Synthetic Bedding in Children. Do Strategies of Change Influence Associations with Asthma? J Asthma 2005. [DOI: 10.1081/jas-54637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
15
|
Siebers R, Nam HS, Crane J. Permeability of synthetic and feather pillows to live house dust mites and house dust. Clin Exp Allergy 2004; 34:888-90. [PMID: 15196275 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2004.01972.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated significantly higher house dust mite (HDM) allergen levels from synthetic pillows, compared to feather pillows. Reasons for these differences could be lower permeability of feather pillow coverings to allergen in dust, greater HDM penetration of synthetic pillow covering, or both. OBJECTIVES To determine the permeability of synthetic and feather pillow coverings to live HDMs and house dust. METHODS Twenty live adult HDMs were seeded on top of two types of synthetic pillow covering (one standard polyester and one newer polyester/cotton type) and one type of feather pillow coverings with adequate food supply below in sealed culture dishes, kept at 23 degrees C and 70% relative humidity. After 24 and 48 h live HDM numbers remaining on top of the coverings were enumerated microscopically. Three aliquots of fine house dust (each in triplicate) were placed on top of the synthetic and feather pillow coverings, shaken gently for 30 min and penetrated dust was collected and weighed. RESULTS After 24 h, all 20 HDMs had penetrated the standard synthetic pillow coverings, and no HDMs had penetrated either the feather pillow or the new synthetic pillow coverings after 24 or 48 h. Dust permeability (% of applied dust) for the standard synthetic, new type synthetic and feather pillow coverings were 0.88%, 0.07%, and 0.07%, respectively. This compared to 0.02% for a commercial occlusive pillow cover. CONCLUSIONS These findings of total permeability of standard synthetic pillow coverings to live HDMs, and their greater permeability to house dust could explain their reported higher HDM allergen levels, compared to feather pillow coverings. Newer types of synthetic pillow coverings are similar to feather pillow coverings in their permeability to live HDMs and house dust.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Siebers
- Wellington Asthma Research Group, Wellington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Pillows are known to contain significant levels of indoor allergens and endotoxin, that are of importance to house dust mite sensitized asthmatics. Buckwheat pillows are commonly used in Korea. We studied the levels of the house dust mite allergen, Der f 1, and endotoxin on new synthetic and buckwheat pillows and their accumulation over three months. Endotoxin levels were significantly higher on new buckwheat pillows compared to synthetic pillows; geometric mean levels (95% CI) were 60,950 EU/g (30,270-122,700) and 4,887 EU/g (2,570-9,311) respectively (p<0.001). No Der f 1 was detected on the new pillows. After three months Der f 1 levels were similar on buckwheat and synthetic pillows, geometric mean levels (95% CI) were 1.16 microg/g (0.02-8.13) and 1.08 microg/g (0.19-1.68) respectively. These results indicate that buckwheat pillows are a source of very high endotoxin levels that may be of relevance to asthma severity of atopic asthmatics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Seon Nam
- Genome Research Center for Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, Soonchunhyang University, Bucheon, Korea
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Trevillian LF, Ponsonby AL, Dwyer T, Lim LLY, Kemp A, Cochrane J, Carmichael A. A prospective association between cocoon use in infancy and childhood asthma. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2004; 18:281-9. [PMID: 15255882 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3016.2004.00563.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence for a role for bedding items in the development of asthma. The use of some forms of synthetic bedding, such as foam mattresses and pillows, is associated with a significantly increased risk of childhood wheeze. Our aim was to examine prospectively whether the use of synthetic cocoon/baby nests in infancy is associated with the subsequent development of wheeze in childhood. Data collected in 1988 as part of the Tasmanian Infant Health Survey were linked to the cross-sectional Childhood Asthma Survey conducted in 1995 in Tasmania, Australia. We were able to match 863 records out of the 1111 in the 1988 survey. Information including parental, child-care, and the infant's sleeping environment was collected at home interview in 1988 when the infant was 1 month of age. Data including sleep environment and asthma symptoms were available for each child at age 7 years. A generalised linear model was used to calculate the adjusted relative risk (RR) estimates for symptoms of wheeze and infant cocoon use. For children who were placed in a cocoon in infancy, there was an increased risk of recent wheeze (adjusted RR = 4.33 [95% CI 2.08, 9.02]) and night wheeze (adjusted RR = 3.35 [95% CI 1.52, 7.39]) at age 7 years. In view of the increasing prevalence of childhood asthma, the identification of potentially modifiable environmental factors which might operate in infancy is of importance. The present findings implicate infant bedding choice as a significant factor and further studies on the infant sleeping environment are indicated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L F Trevillian
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ponsonby AL, Dwyer T, Trevillian L, Kemp A, Cochrane J, Couper D, Carmichael A. The bedding environment, sleep position, and frequent wheeze in childhood. Pediatrics 2004; 113:1216-22. [PMID: 15121932 DOI: 10.1542/peds.113.5.1216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Synthetic quilt use has been associated with increased childhood wheeze in previous studies. Our aim was to examine whether the adverse effect of synthetic quilt use on frequent wheeze differed by usual sleep position. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A population-based cross-sectional study of 6378 (92% of those eligible) 7-year-olds in Tasmania, Australia, was conducted in 1995. Exercise-challenge lung function was obtained on a subset of 414 children from randomly selected schools. EXPOSURE MEASURES Child bedding including pillow and overbedding composition and usual sleep position by parental questionnaire. OUTCOME MEASURES Frequent wheeze (>12 wheeze episodes over the past year), using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood parental questionnaire, and baseline and postexercise forced expiratory volume in 1 second lung-function measures. RESULTS Frequent wheeze (n = 117) was positively associated with synthetic quilts, synthetic pillows, electric blankets, and sleeping in a bottom bunk bed but did not vary by sleep position. In a nested case-control analysis, the association between synthetic quilt use and frequent wheeze differed by sleep position. Among children who slept supine, synthetic (versus feather) quilt use was associated with frequent wheeze (adjusted odds ratio: 2.37 [1.08, 5.23]). However, among nonsupine sleepers, overlying synthetic quilt use was not associated with frequent wheeze (adjusted odds ratio: 1.06 [0.60, 1.88]). This difference in quilt effect by sleep position was highly significant. Similarly, synthetic quilt use was associated with lower postexercise forced expiratory volume in 1 second measures among supine but not nonsupine sleeping children. CONCLUSION An increasing focus on the bedding environment immediately adjacent to the nose and mouth is required for respiratory disorders provoked by bedding, such as child asthma characterized by frequent wheeze.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Louise Ponsonby
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra ACT, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
|
20
|
Kemp AS. Allergy prevention--what we thought we knew. Med J Aust 2003; 178:254-5. [PMID: 12633480 DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2003.tb05189.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2002] [Accepted: 12/23/2002] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
21
|
Siebers R, Fitzharris P, Crane J. Feather bedding and allergic disease in children: a cover story? Clin Exp Allergy 2002; 32:1119-23. [PMID: 12190645 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2745.2002.01475.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
22
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two recent epidemiological studies have reported that children using non-feather pillows suffered from more frequent episodes of wheeze than those using feather pillows OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy of using feather bedding in the control of asthma symptoms. SEARCH STRATEGY The Cochrane Airways Group asthma clinical trials register, derived from MEDLINE, EMBASE and hand searching of major journals, was searched using the terms: feather OR bed* OR linen* OR pillow SELECTION CRITERIA Only randomised or controlled clinical trials were to be included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS No trials met the inclusion criteria for the review. MAIN RESULTS 126 abstracts were identified. Ten of these were identified as possibly meeting the entry criteria, but on review of the full paper not were suitable. The reasons for exclusion were: not a randomised trial (n=6); allocation of bedding type combined with another intervention (n=4). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS Whilst recent epidemiological studies suggest that feather bedding is associated with less frequent wheeze than man-made fibre fillings, the evidence currently available is insufficient to assess the clinical benefits of feather bedding in the management of asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Campbell
- Royal College of Nursing, Radcliffe Royal Infirmary, Woodstock Road, Oxford, UK, OX2 6HE.
| | | |
Collapse
|