Dust mite allergy refers to an allergic reaction to small bugs that normally live in the dust in the house. A person may be having dust mite allergy if he sneezes or has a runny nose when exposed to dust mites. Additional symptoms may be similar to those of asthma such as breathing difficulty and asthma.
Dust mites are too small to see through the naked eye and can only be seen under a microscope. Dust mites feed on the skin cells humans shed and live in warm and humid areas. In many houses, dust mites like to live in beddings, carpeting and upholstered furniture.
You can consider following some steps to minimize the number of dust mites in the house if you have dust mite allergy. Medications along with other treatment measures may also be needed to handle symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of Dust Mite Allergy
Signs and symptoms of dust mite allergy occur due to inflammation of the nasal passages. They include:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Watery, red or itchy eyes
- Coughing
- Postnasal drip
- Nasal congestion
- Facial pressure and discomfort
- Blue-colored swollen skin under the eyes
- Children may rub their nose frequently
If dust mite allergy affects asthma, symptoms may include:
- Breathing difficulty
- A whistling sound from while breathing
- Chest tightness
- Sleeping problems due to coughing, shortness of breath or wheezing
Watch Allergy Symptoms & Treatments : How to Cure Dust Allergies from a YouTube video.
An allergic reaction to dust mites can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, dust mite allergy may lead to runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes. In serious cases, the condition may be chronic, causing persistent cough, sneezing, facial discomfort and pressure, congestion or even a severe asthma attack.
When to Seek Medical Attention if Dust Mite Allergy Persists
There are some signs and symptoms of dust mite allergy such as sneezing and runny nose may be similar to those of common. However, it may be difficult to differentiate between an allergy and a cold. If symptoms last for longer than a week, you are most likely suffering from an allergy.
If you are suffering from severe signs and symptom such as serious nasal congestion, wheezing or sleeping difficulty, see your doctor as soon as you can. Emergency medical care may be needed if shortness of breath or wheezing worsens rapidly.
Treatment
Treatment firstly involves avoiding exposure to dust mites as much as possible so that you expect fewer allergic attacks. The following home treatments may eliminate dust mites from your house:
- Consider allergen-proof beddings
- Wash bed sheets weekly in at least 130 F (54.4C) water to kill bed bites
- Keep the humidity below 50 percent in your house
- Avoid buying bedcovers that may be difficult to clean and those that trap dust frequently
- Buy washable toys
- Remove dust from the house and vacuum regularly
- Get rid of objects that may collect dust such as magazines, newspapers, books and ornaments from your bedroom
- Remove carpeting
- Install a high efficiency media filter in your air conditioning unit and furnace
You may also require medications to treat symptoms of allergic reactions to dust mites. Your doctor may recommend using OTC antihistamines to relive sneezing, runny nose and itching. Corticosteroid nasal sprays can also reduce inflammation.
Decongestants may shrink swollen tissues in the nasal passages to ease breathing. Avoid taking oral decongestants if you have severe blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or glaucoma, as they increase the blood pressure. If you use decongestants for more than 3 days in a row, symptoms may actually become worse.
Consult your doctor for prescription medication if OTC medications are ineffective.