Air Humidity in the Houses of Asthmatic Children in Mashhad, Northeast Iran

Background: Considering the high prevalence of asthma in children and the role of indoor air humidity in the onset and exacerbation of asthma due to increased house dust mites and indoor molds, the optimal humidity range for houses with asthmatic individuals is ۱۰ to ۴۵%. This study was conducted to determine the indoor air humidity levels in the houses of asthmatic children living in Mashhad, northeast Iran.  Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from July ۲۰۱۸ to June ۲۰۱۹ at the Allergy Clinic of Akbar Children’s Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. Sixty asthmatic children aged between ۲ and ۱۴ years were enrolled in the study. All patients who met the eligibility criteria were asked to place a device for humidity measurement in different rooms, including the bedroom, kitchen, and living room.  Results: Sixty patients were recruited in this study. The mean age was ۶.۸۳±۳.۰ years (ranging from ۲ to ۱۴ years), with forty-one male patients (۶۸.۳%). The mean age of the buildings was ۱۴.۸±۱۷.۵ years. The mean air humidity levels were ۳۴.۴±۷.۴% in the living room, ۳۶±۸% in the bedroom, and ۳۶.۱±۸.۱% in the kitchen. Thirty-nine percent of the participants used air humidifiers, with most of them using cool mist-producing devices.  Conclusions: Air humidity in Mashhad was within the optimal range for asthmatic patients. According to our study, most asthmatic patients with air humidity levels exceeding ۵۰ percent were using air humidifiers. It seems parents should be educated on the fact that using humidifiers, especially in the bedroom, may worsen asthma control.

کلیدواژه ها:

Children ، Asthma ، Humidity ، House dust mite