Humidity control for chronic asthma

Singh M, Bara A, Gibson PG

Published Online:

October 8, 2008

The health benefits of dehumidification of the home environment of patients with asthma were studied. Only one study qualified to be included in the review. No evidence is available to support the use of dehumidification on the clinical status of asthma patients. A randomised controlled trial, of adequate sample size and methodology, is recommended which studies the clinical status and quality of life for patients with asthma.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

Humidity control measures in the home environment of patients with asthma have been recommended, however there is no consensus about the usefulness of these measures.

Objectives:

To study the effect of dehumidification of the home environment on asthma control.

Search strategy:

The clinical trials registers of the Cochrane Collaboration and Cochrane Airways Group were searched. Searches were current as of October 2007.

Selection criteria:

Randomized controlled trials on the use of humidity control measures in the home environment of patients with asthma were evaluated for inclusion.

Data collection and analysis:

Data were extracted using a pre-designed data extraction form. No data was available for entering into RevMan for analysis.

Main results:

One trial was included. The trial compared mechanical ventilation with or without high efficiency vacuum cleaners and did not show any clinical benefit to asthma patients. There was a decline in the house dust mite count and the antigen level. This open trial had a low sample size.

Authors' conclusions:

There is a need for studying the health benefits of dehumidification by a double blind randomized controlled trial with adequate sample size measuring clinical outcomes in patients of asthma.

This record should be cited as:

Singh M, Bara A, Gibson PG. Humidity control for chronic asthma. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2002, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD003563. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003563

Assessed as up to date:

October 2, 2007

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Primary Review Group:

Airways Group

Asthma topics:

Physical and complementary therapies > Environment

Health topics:

Lungs & airways > Asthma (chronic) > Environment

Cochrane Summaries^beta

Independent high-quality evidence for health care decision making

Humidity control for chronic asthma

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