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The Facts - Asthma,
Allergies and the House Dust Mite
The droppings of dust mites are important allergens. These
mites live in bedding, carpets, stuffed furniture, old clothing
and soft toys. They feed on human skin scales. If droppings
of dust mites are inhaled or come in contact with the skin,
they can cause allergies, asthma and eczema symptoms.
House-dust mite droppings are the number one asthma trigger.
One study suggests that the creatures can actually cause asthma
to develop in the first place. This was an exciting discovery
made by a team of researchers at St George's Hospital Medical
School, London in 1999.
This study was the first to discover that enzymes in house-dust
mite droppings destroy the biological 'glue' that holds together
the protective cells in our airways. Once this protective
lining has been breached, the enzymes are free to interact
with the body's immune system — causing an allergy to
develop.
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Allergies affect as many as 10-15 million people in the
UK, 20 – 25% of the population.
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Dustmite allergy is the most common cause of chronic
sinusitis, affecting almost 10 million people in the UK.
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The average bed may be home to over 2 million dust mites.
The average 6-year-old pillow may owe 10% of its weight
to dust mites and their waste,as well a mould and mildew.
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Dustmite allergy is perhaps the most common cause of
year round allergic rhinitis - hay fever symptoms.
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House dust mites can cause allergic eczema.
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Children of allergic parents are far more likely to develop
allergies.
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Asthma affects 6 million people in the UK.
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The most common cause of asthma is allergies.
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Dustmite waste and mould are the most common triggers
of asthma attacks.
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From1982-1994, asthma increased 84% overall, and 72%
for children under 18.
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Children of asthmatic parents are far more likely to
develop asthma.
Allergies are here to stay - there is no specific cure for
allergies, although researchers continue to search for a solution
for allergy-sufferers. There is a need to be proactive about
avoiding allergy triggers and use products that help alleviate
allergy symptoms, such as HealthGuard™
DM•1.
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