A house dust mite allergy refers to an allergic reaction triggered by tiny creatures called dust mites, which are related to spiders and are too small to see with the naked eye. An allergy occurs when the body reacts to allergens.
Dust mites are known to thrive in mattresses, bedding, curtains, carpets, and upholstered furniture. They consume dead skin cells that people and pets shed.
The proteins in house dust mites come from feces (poop) and decaying bodies. While these substances are harmless to most people, your immune system can mistakenly identify them as harmful invaders, such as bacteria or viruses, and trigger an allergic reaction to eliminate them from the body.
Symptoms
Possible symptoms of a house dust mite allergy include:
These symptoms can sometimes be confused with those of upper respiratory viral illnesses like the flu or the common cold. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are caused by a house dust mite allergy or an illness, it’s best to consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Causes and Risk Factors
House dust mites don’t live on humans but thrive near us while feeding on the dead skin cells that we shed. They usually prefer warm, humid environments and are commonly found in bedding, carpets, clothing, and soft furnishings.
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing a dust mite allergy. They include:
Complications
Continued exposure to mites and their debris can lead to the following complications for those with house dust mite allergy:
Diagnosis
The physician is likely to suspect a house dust mite allergy according to your symptoms and responses to questions about your home environment. Your doctor may examine the state of your nose lining using lighted equipment to determine if you have an allergy to an environmental substance. The nasal tube lining can swell and may seem pale or bluish if you are allergic to something in the air.
If your symptoms worsen before bed or during cleaning, when dust mite allergens are momentarily in the air, your doctor may conclude that you have a dust mite allergy. Identifying the source of the allergy may be more challenging if you have a pet, especially if they share your bedroom.
Other common diagnostic tests include:
Allergy skin test:
To find out if you are allergic to house dust mites, your healthcare provider may recommend an allergy skin test. If necessary, they can refer you to an allergist (allergy specialist) for testing.
During this allergy skin test, small amounts of purified dust mite extract are pierced onto the skin, usually on the forearm or upper back. After 15 minutes, the skin is checked for signs of an allergic reaction, such as a red, itchy bump at the test site.
Allergy blood test:
If a skin test isn’t possible due to a skin condition or certain medications, your doctor may order a blood test. This test measures allergy-specific antibodies, including those for dust mites, and can show your sensitivity to the allergen.
Treatment and Management
The first step in managing dust mite allergy is reducing exposure to dust mites. As a result, you will likely experience fewer or less severe allergic reactions. However, it’s not possible to entirely get rid of dust mites from your environment. Hence, your provider may also recommend the following medications to help address your symptoms:
Prevention
Follow these tips to reduce house dust mite exposure:
Living With
When to consult your healthcare provider
Consult your doctor if you frequently experience dust mite allergy symptoms, particularly if they interfere with your daily activities and quality of life.
Takeaways
There’s no doubt that a house dust mite allergy can be annoying. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies dust mite proteins as dangerous invaders. In response, it releases histamine, which triggers allergy symptoms. These symptoms may persist until you reduce or eliminate dust mites in your surroundings.
It’s important to contact your healthcare provider if you experience house dust mite allergy symptoms. They can perform tests to confirm if dust mites are the cause and suggest or prescribe medicines to help manage your symptoms.
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