Effects of Vacuuming Mattresses on Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms in Children

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of daily vacuuming of mattresses on the concentration of house dust mite (HDM) allergens and on allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms in children sensitized to HDM. Methods: Forty children between the ages of 6 and 12 years with mild persistent AR and sensitized only to HDM were enrolled and randomly allocated to 2 groups. Caregivers of children in the experimental group cleaned the children&apos;s rooms and vacuumed their mattresses daily for 2 weeks. Caregivers of children in the control group cleaned the children&apos;s rooms without vacuuming mattresses. Symptoms of AR were checked weekly and dust samples were collected from the mattresses before and after the study. Results: Demographics at the beginning of the study were not significantly different between the 2 groups. In the experimental group, symptoms of AR and dust weight were significantly decreased after 2 weeks (total symptoms of AR, P <0.001; sneezing, P< 0.001; rhinorrhea, P <0.001; nasal obstruction, P< 0.001; itching, P <0.001; and dust weight, P= 0.006). The concentrations of HDM allergens were not changed significantly (Der p1, P= 0.333; Der f1, P= 0.841). In the control group, there were no significant changes in symptoms of AR, dust weight, or the concentration of HDM allergens. Conclusions: Our findings showed that daily vacuuming of mattresses reduced dust weight and symptoms of AR. However, the concentration of HDM allergens did not significantly decrease.