Humidity control for chronic asthma

Abstract

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: A search of the clinical trials registers of the Cochrane Collaboration and Cochrane Airways Group using search terms for asthma and [humid* OR water vapour OR water vapor* OR water-vapour* OR water-vapor*].

Selection criteria: Randomized controlled trials on the use of humidity control measures in the home environment of patients with asthma were evaluated for inclusion. Only one trial could be included.

Data collection and analysis: Data was extracted using a predesigned data extraction form. No data was available for entering into RevMan for analysis.

Main results: The included trial using mechanical ventilation with or without high efficiency vacuum cleaners 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.

Reviewer's 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.