The contact with dust mites can provoke such reactions as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and, in some cases, the exacerbation of asthma or eczema to the majority of individuals. Poor ventilation and large amounts of humidity usually worsen the presence of dust mites and thus effective management becomes even more important.

This blog post will discuss causes and symptoms of dust mite allergies and offer effective measures that can be used to control this condition.


What are Dust Mites?

Dust mites are minute microscopic organisms and they are members of the arachnid family. The mites live off the dead human and animal cells that are deposited in the dust of the house. Their living conditions are also conducive to them and homes, bedrooms, and living areas provide them with the best environment since they live in a high-humidity environment that is warm and rich in dust.


Dust mites are not dangerous, however, their excreta contain allergens which can cause allergies in people who are prone to it. These allergens are proteins of dust mite feces and body parts. When the dust mites die or shed their skin, the dust gets airborne and is inhaled to result in allergic reactions.


Common Symptoms of Dust Mite Allergies

The signs of dust allergy may depend on an individual and may be mild or severe. Other patients might have mild cases of discomfort, whereas others can have more severe reactions that can affect their quality of life. The typical symptoms of dust Mite allergy include:


1. Respiratory Symptoms

  • Sneezing: A sneeze is the other symptom of dust mite allergy which is highly common. The majority of the time it is brought about when an individual is exposed to dust mites.
  • Runny or Stuffy Nose: Nasal runny and nasal congestion are also typical symptoms of dust mite allergies and they normally are accompanied by post-nasal drip.
  • Coughing: continuous coughing particularly in the night or the morning may be an indicator of exposure to dust mite.

Wheezing and Shortness of Breath Asthmatic individuals complain that they wheeze, feel tightness in the chest as well as dyspnea whenever they encounter dust mites.


2. Eye Symptoms

  • Red, Watery Eyes: Dust mites could also lead to the itchiness and inflammation of the eyes leading to redness, itchiness, and tears.
  • Conjunctivitis: Under some cases, when a person comes into contact with dust mites, they may end up having allergic conjunctivitis, which is a state characterized by reddened and swollen eyes.

3. Skin Symptoms

  • Itchy Skin: There are those people who are allergic to dust mites and develop rashes and itching on their face, arms, or legs.
  • Eczema: Individuals with eczematous or atopic dermatitis could experience the results of eczematous aggravation of their skin condition by dust mites.

4. Asthma Symptoms

Dust mites have been identified to cause attacks of asthma in sensitive persons. Asthmatic people are likely to have more of their symptoms and also they will have more severe symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, coughing and wheezing.


Various Causes of Dust Mite Allergies

Exposure to dust mite allergens is the major cause of dust mite allergies. The wastes of dust mites contain these allergens in their bodies and parts. Dust mites are creatures that survive in warm and humid conditions, and thus houses are the best habitats of dust mites especially in bedding, carpets and upholstered furniture. Dust mite allergies are developed as a result of the following factors:


1. High Humidity

Dust mites will not be able to survive in the dry climate. They grow well in humidity greater than 50 and that is the reason why they are found mostly in the sea-coast or in houses where there is great humidity in interiors. During humid conditions, dust mites reproduce fast thus increasing the number of allergens in the air.


2. Presence of Dust

Dust mites feast on the dead skin cells and the dust mites are abundant in the home dust. Dust mites multiply on the dust deposited on furniture, bedding and carpets. The higher the concentration of dust in a house, the higher the probability of dust mites to live and survive in a house.


3. Warm Temperatures

Dust mites are attracted by the warm climate with temperatures ranging at 68 F to 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Good conditions explain the existence and reproduction of dust mite which thrives in a warm environment.


4. Allergic Sensitivity

Hereditary causes or the presence of an allergy like asthma, eczema or hay fever also increase susceptibility of people to the allergies of dust mites. Persons who have a family history of allergies have higher chances of getting dust mite allergies.


Effective Solutions for Managing Dust Mite Allergies

Although you might not be in a position to remove dust mites within your house there are minimal steps that can be undertaken to lessen the exposure in addition to the control of symptoms of allergies. Some of the helpful dust allergy treatments are listed below.


1. Make Your House Neat

  • Regular Cleaning: It is also reported that dust mites are able to survive in the dirty and dusty environment hence cleaning should be conducted on a regular basis. Dust and allergens could be reduced by a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Specific attention must be paid to the places of the dust concentration, e.g. carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture. 
  • Wipe with a Damp Cloth: Do not wipe surfaces using a dry cloth since it will blow the dust to the air rather wipe it with a damp cloth which will hold the dust. This will assist in stopping dust to remain in the air and causing irritation to your allergies.

2. Wash Bedding Frequently

  • Hot Water Washing: Bedding, sheets, pillow Case, blankets and all comforters are to be done in hot water (at minimum 130 o C (54 o F) per week). Hot water kills the dust mites and removes the allergens on the clothes. 
  • Cover Pillows, Mattresses and Box springs: Cover dust-mite-proof wrappings on pillows, mattresses and box springs. These kinds of covers enable the removal of dust mites in your bed and reduce the amount of contact with allergens.

3. Control Humidity Levels

  • Dehumidifier: Dust mites are not sensitive to humidity hence, humidity in the environment should be maintained. The humidity should be maintained at 30-50 with the help of a dehumidifier.
  • Ventilation: It is necessary to open the windows and install exhaust fans in this room type, such as kitchen and bathrooms so that the humidity would not be concentrated.

4. Allergen-Proof Your Home

  • Clear out Carpets and Rugs: Carpets and Rugs are the sources of dust mites. Preferably, substitute them with hard flooring like hardwood, tile or laminate. In case you are unable to remove carpets, then you should vacuum them on a regular basis using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
  • Install Air Purifiers: Air purifiers that are of the HEPA type can be used to trap dust mites among other allergens in the air. Install air purifiers at your bedrooms and other rooms that you spend a lot of time on.

Read More: Pet Allergies


5. Consult with an Allergist

  • Allergy Testing: In case you are allergic to dust mite, seek the services of an allergist to test. Your particular allergens which give you your symptoms can be determined using a dust mite allergy test, and then they can be prevented in a specific manner.
  • Drugs, which are taken in case of allergy: Otc antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays are possible to use to treat the symptoms. In other instances, your physician might recommend allergy shots (immunotherapy) and make you allergic to dust mites.

Conclusion

Finally, it can be concluded that allergies of dust mites are a typical issue that can severely affect normal life, creating not only minor inconveniences and pains but also serious respiratory and even skin problems. One should also be aware of the causes and the symptoms in order to be able to control it. In order to decrease the contact with dust mites and decrease the prevalence of allergies, individuals may ensure that the surrounding is dust-free and clean, maintain the required humidity, and use allergy-resistant bedding and air purifiers. 


In addition, the patient can discuss the illness with the physician and obtain the necessary dust allergy remedies such as medicines or immunotherapy to overcome the symptoms and improve the general condition. The victims of dust mites were not living their lives freely and well; by being in the right attitude the victims would have been healthy and comfortable in their lives.


Please book an appointment with the best General Physician in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.