Fact Checked
Dust mite allergy is an overreaction to dust mites. Generally, dust mites are tiny bugs that become mixed with house dust and feeds on dead skin cells that are shed by people every day. These bugs usually like warm temperature and can be found around beds or areas where clothes especially wool are kept. In addition, waste products of dust mites can be inhaled without knowing it. Furthermore, excessive exposure to dust mites can result to runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing.
Symptoms of dust mite allergy
- At first, nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Postnasal drip
- Scratchy throat
- Eyes becomes red
- Persistent coughing
Excessive exposure to dust mites can result to runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing. - Sinus pressure and result to facial pain
- Difficulty in sleeping
- In addition, swelling eyes with a shade of bluish discoloration near the eyes
- Lastly, a person with asthma cause symptoms such as tightness or pain in the chest, difficulties with breathing, wheezing, severe asthma attacks and difficulty talking.
Treatment
- At first, avoid dust mites as much as possible.
- Prescribed antihistamines to lessen the production of an immune system chemical which causes allergic reaction. It lessens the itchiness, runny nose and the sneezing.
- Prescribed corticosteroids in the form of a nasal spray to lessen the inflammation and the symptoms.
- Prescribed decongestants to shrink swelling tissues in the nasal passages and makes it easy to breathe.
- Leukotriene modifiers in tablet form to stop action of certain chemicals of the immune system.
- In addition, nasal irrigation using a neti pot or a squeeze bottle filled with saline solution rinse. Generally, squeeze the saline solution inside the affected area to flush out accumulated mucus and irritants inside the sinuses. Saline solution is a mixture of water and salt. After using the irrigation device, rinse it using contaminant-free water and leave it open to dry.
- Lastly, maintain a low humidity at least 50% inside the house. Generally, install a dehumidifier or an air conditioner to keep humidity low and a hygrometer to measure levels of humidity.
Tips
- Cover the mattress and pillows using dustproof or allergen blocking covers. They are made of tightly woven fabric that stops dust mites from colonizing. Avoid using bedcovers that easily traps dust and difficult to clean.
- Wash beddings, blankets, pillowcases and bedcovers using hot water at least 130F to eliminate dust mites and allergens. Furthermore, another alternative is placing the washed items in the dryer for at least 15 minutes with a temperature of 130F. In addition, freezing them for 24 hours also kill the mites.
- Washing regularly washable stuffed toys and keep them away from beds.
- Use a damp or mop with oil in cleaning up dust to prevent them from becoming airborne and resettles again on surfaces and beds.
- Vacuum regularly upholstered furniture and carpeting using a vacuum cleaner that has a double layer of microfilter bag or a high-efficiency particulate air or HEPA.
- Throw away tabletop ornaments, magazine, newspapers and books inside the bedroom.
FACT CHECK
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/dust-allergies#1
https://acaai.org/allergies/types/dust-allergy
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dust-mites/symptoms-causes/syc-20352173