Environment of the asthmatic child: theory and practice.

Control of the asthmatic child's environment forms an integral part of ther apeutic care. This requires knowing what the main allergens in the child's habitat are and how they arise: eg, acarids. animal teguments, insects and fungi. The overall measures for reducing them chiefly entail controlling hu midity: regular airing, or even ventilation, and eliminating sources of hum idity can be recommended Control of acarids will require modifying furnishi ngs (no mats or carpeting non hangings or heavy curtains, a slatted not int erior sprung bed base). Acarid-repellent loose covers seem to be more effec tive than acaricides, which give conflicting results. Physical processes, a lthough necessary are seldom sufficient. Animals should be evicted. If this is impossible, certain measures have proved effective, however. Insects an d moulds are controlled by specific sanitary measures. A practical approach is proposed that takes into account both theoretical demands and everyday realities. (C) 1999 Elsevier, Paris.