Effect of indoor allergens on respiratory health outcomes in asthmatic children

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Created On: 10/01/2025

Environmental allergen exposures, which are more prevalent in disadvantaged communities, may contribute to varying susceptibility to upper respiratory infections (URIs).

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Key take away

Children with asthma exposed to cockroach and mouse allergens are more likely to experience upper respiratory infections with cold symptoms and reduced respiratory function compared to those exposed to dog or cat allergens.

Background

Environmental allergen exposures, which are more prevalent in disadvantaged communities, may contribute to varying susceptibility to upper respiratory infections (URIs). This study sought to examine the connection between indoor allergens and the following outcomes: (1) URI, (2) URI along with cold symptoms, (3) URI along with cold symptoms and pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation (fraction of exhaled nitric oxide ≥20 parts per billion [ppb]), and (4) URI along with cold symptoms and diminished pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in one second <80% of the predicted value).

Method

From the Environmental Control as Add-on Therapy for Childhood Asthma (ECATCh) analysis, information was procured. In air (mouse) and settled dust (cat, dog, cockroach, and mouse), estimation of allergen concentrations was done. Investigators diagnosed URI by examining nasal mucus for the presence of upper respiratory viruses. Researchers analyzed the association between allergen concentrations and URI-linked outcomes, adjusting for household size, health insurance, season, study month, sex, and age.

Result

The study encompassed 90 volunteers (92% Black, 92% with public insurance) and 192 observations, of which 52 (27%) tested positive for URI. A doubling of cockroach allergen concentration was related to an 18% higher likelihood of URI along with symptoms of cold (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18), a 31% escalated likelihood of URI with symptoms of cold and pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation (OR = 1.31), and a 45% raised likelihood of URI along with symptoms of cold and compromised pulmonary function (OR = 1.45). Mouse allergen concentrations were similarly related to all outcomes. The associations were found to be generally stronger in children sensitized to pest allergens.

Conclusion

Exposure to cockroach and mouse allergens, but not dog or cat allergens, can escalate the risk of URIs with cold symptoms and compromise respiratory outcomes in asthma-affected children.