Efficacy of air purifier for adjuvant therapy of asthma

Abstract

Background: Patients with well-controlled asthma, which lead to a reduction in symptoms and medication use, can have a better quality of life. In this study, we determined particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) concentration in the air of the bedroom and outdoor, and house dust mite (HDM) allergen concentrations in the bedding and pillows, before and after applying the HEPA air purifier, to evaluate its effect to improve air quality and its efficacy for adjuvant therapy of asthma.

Methods: Air purifier was set near the bed for 3 months. 11 children and 7 adults that were 7∼42 years old and diagnosed with asthma were selected. Before and after application of the purifier, dust sample was collected, indoor and outdoor PM value was measured. The change in PM values was shown in PM indoor/outdoor ratio. In addition, ACT & CACT was used to access the symptoms of the patients. SPSS21.0 was used for data entry and analysis, measurement data was descriptively analyzed, Non-parametric test and repeated measurement ANOVA were used to comparison among groups, P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: 1 Der p1(80.74(77.78,84.07)ng/g)was the most abundant allergen in air of the patient's bedroom, followed by Der f1(29.63(29.63,63.33)ng/g); Der f1 concentration(370.81(282.80,579.25)ng/g)in bedding and pillows was higher than Der p1 4.74(203.43(33.63,1006.60)ng/g)g/g. 2 Der f1 and Der p1 concentration slightly decreased after application of the air purifier. 3 PM2.5, PM10 concentration significantly decreased in three months. 4 Patients' score for ACT&CACT shows not statistically significant before or use the air purifier.

Conclusion: Air purifier can effectively reduce PM and HDM allergen concentrations in the air.