House Dust Mite Allergy

House Dust Mite Allergy

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:

  • Coughing
  • Congestion
  • Itchy nose, mouth, or throat
  • Postnasal drip (mucus dripping into the throat)
  • Red, watery, and itchy eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Wheezing (difficulty breathing, often with a whistling or gasping sound)
  • Worsening asthma symptoms, such as difficulty breathing and chest tightness

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:

  • Family history of allergies: If multiple family members have allergies, then you are at a high risk of becoming allergic to dust mites.
  • Dust mites exposure: High levels of exposure, particularly early in life, can increase your possibility of developing an allergy.
  • Age: Dust mite allergies are more common in children and young adults, with the condition often developing during childhood or early adulthood.

Complications

Continued exposure to mites and their debris can lead to the following complications for those with house dust mite allergy:

  • Sinus Infections (Sinusitis): Chronic inflammation of the nasal passage tissues due to dust mite allergy can block the sinuses, which are the hollow cavities attached to the nasal paths. These blockages increase the likelihood of developing sinus infections.
  • Asthma: Individuals with both asthma and a dust mite allergy often struggle to manage their asthma symptoms effectively. Prolonged exposure to dust mites can increase the risk of severe asthma attacks that may require urgent medical attention or emergency care.

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:

  • Oral antihistamines: These block histamine, which the allergy cells produce and cause sneezing, itchiness, and a runny nose. They usually begin to take effect around 30 minutes after use.
  • Antihistamine nasal sprays: Sprayed into the nostrils to block histamine directly in the nasal passages.
  • Nasal corticosteroids: Considered the most effective standalone therapy for hay fever, these sprays help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
  • Leukotriene modifiers: These ease allergy symptoms and might take up to 4 to 6 weeks to become effective.
  • Decongestants: Available in oral or nasal forms, these provide short-term relief from nasal congestion but should only be used temporarily.
  • Allergy shots (immunotherapy): These “train” the immune system to tolerate dust mite allergens. Although not a cure, symptoms often improve after 6 to 12 months of frequent shots. This treatment typically requires a 3- to 5-year commitment for full benefits.
  • Dust mite sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops): Prescribed by a healthcare provider, these drops contain small dosages of dust mite proteins. They are taken daily beneath the tongue to help your body become tolerant to the allergens. Symptoms usually get better after approximately six months.

Prevention

Follow these tips to reduce house dust mite exposure:

  • Using allergy-proof bedding covers: Opt for tightly knitted allergy-proof covers for your mattresses, pillows, and box springs to prevent dust mites from accumulating. Plastic covers can also be effective.
  • Regularly washing your bedding: Wash bedding weekly using hot water (at least 130°F or 60°C). After washing, dry them in a dryer in the hottest setting for about 30 minutes. If a washer and dryer aren’t available, seal the bedding in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer for 24 hours.
  • Reducing humidity in your home: Maintain indoor humidity levels below 50% to stop dust mites from reproducing. Use air conditioners or dehumidifiers to keep humidity low.
  • Filter the air in your house: Dust mite allergens can become airborne, especially with fans. Therefore, you should consider using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to remove allergens from the air. Also, ensure that you clean the filters regularly.
  • Regular vacuuming: Vacuum rugs, upholstered furniture, carpets, and other surfaces at least two times weekly. Opt for a microfilter vacuum bag to avoid escape of dust mite allergens. If possible, entirely get rid of the rugs and carpets. Also, wear a mask while vacuuming.
  • Frequently wiping hard surfaces: Always wipe down hard surfaces with a microfiber cloth or damp cloth to prevent dust mite allergens from becoming airborne.

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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