New research on dust mites and respiratory infections (Asthma)

Medical Xpress / Lund University / Allergy ^ | June 17, 2022 | Samuel Cerps et al

[ConservativeMind]

When asthmatics' respiratory tracts are exposed to dust mites, their immune response becomes less effective, which can lead to a weaker immune system. People who suffer from asthma associated with infection may therefore be more susceptible to secondary viral or bacterial infections. According to the researchers, the results suggest that asthmatics should avoid house dust mites and that patients who are also allergic to the mites should consider undergoing so-called hyposensitization.

Clinical data has shown that asthma patients with allergies are more frequently prescribed antibiotics, compared to non-allergic asthmatics, according to Samuel Cerps, first author.

"This suggests that allergy is a risk factor in bacterial infections and that got us interested in studying how exposure to house dust mites affects the immune system of asthmatics," says Cerps.

"The results showed that an allergy to dust mites was in itself a factor that diminished asthmatics' protection against viruses, i.e. the epithelial cells were less effective in producing antiviral interferons. We also saw that direct exposure to dust mites, regardless of the patient's allergy status, reduced respiratory cells' production of both antiviral and antibacterial proteins when they contracted viral infections," Samuel Cerps explains.

"This demonstrates that dust mite allergy, and the mere fact that an asthmatic's respiratory tract has been exposed to dust mites, results in reduced protection from infection. As such, the study highlights the importance of mite-free environments," Lena Uller explains. "The results of the study suggest that asthmatics ought to avoid dust mites and that patients who are also allergic to dust mites might benefit from undergoing so-called hyposensitization—immunotherapy—against dust mites, in order to increase their tolerance of this allergen. Treatment could lead to fewer infections and a better quality of life as a result."

[ConservativeMind]

To clarify, the actual study mentions both house dust mites AND their feces.

I’ve generally only heard of allergic responses to the feces, which can float around easier than the mites can.

Sounds yummy, doesn’t it?

[bunkerhill7]

I eat dust mites for lunch.

[ConservativeMind]

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[mad_as_he$$]

Interesting, thanks for posting.

[yelostar]

Many people also don’t realize that there is often a correlation between acid reflux/GERD and asthma. In some instances treating acid reflux can also alleviate or lessen asthma symptoms.

And it’s not as gross to think about as dust mite feces.