Research has proven simple steps can reduce the level of household dust mites that are known to lead to asthma.
The study, by researchers from the University of Washington and Harvard University in the United States, evaluated practical methods to reduce dust mites in 39 low-income families' urban homes.
The researchers found all the measures were effective in reducing dust in the homes. Steam cleaning produced particularly good results.
Levels of dust mites in carpet and furniture that had been steam cleaned stayed low for up to eight weeks after the treatment, compared to four weeks for vacuuming alone.
House dust mite allergy is one factor known to increase the frequency and severity of asthma. Dust mites live off human skin scales and thrive in warm humid climates. The protein substances in dust mite feces produce antibodies in allergic humans when the dust is inhaled or touches the skin. These antibodies trigger the release of histamines which cause nasal congestion, swelling and irritation of the upper respiratory passages.
These droppings continue to cause allergic symptoms even after the mite has died.