Dust Mite Allergies
First… What are dust mites? I’ve never seen any.
Dust mites, or house dust mites, are a fact of life. Just about anywhere people live, so do dust mites. They can survive in all kinds of climates, but prefer indoor conditions—especially in carpeting, and in the fabric of beds, mattresses, and furniture.
They’re very tiny—barely visible—and survive by eating the bits of organic material they discover in their surroundings, including shed human skin and animal dander. And they don’t need a water source—they simply absorb the water they need from the humidity in the air.
What causes dust mite allergies?
So they might go unnoticed—except for the fact that dust mites are responsible for a number of human allergic reactions, not to mention asthma.
These allergies are caused not by contact with dust mites themselves nor from bites, but by the droppings and other material the mites leave behind. The dust mite produces various proteins which remain in their droppings, and persist in the environment. It is those proteins, when breathed in, that many people are allergic to.
What are the symptoms?
People with typical dust mite allergies experience symptoms similar to seasonal allergies caused by pollen from weeds and grasses—
- itchy watery eyes,
- runny nose,
- coughing,
- sneezing,
- congestion,
- post-nasal drip, etc.
People suffering a more severe reaction to dust mite allergens can experience difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pressure, and wheezing—all symptoms common to asthma.
Still others have reported tiredness, headaches, and trouble sleeping.
Who is affected?
About one in five people have some sensitivity to dust mite allergens. That number goes up for those who also have other allergies, such as cat dander, tree or grass pollen, or mold spores.
And kids are sensitive too—asthma in young children is commonly attributed to breathing in household dust containing dust mite allergens.
What kind of treatments are there?
Serious dust mite infestations can be treated with insecticides, but because these can make existing respiratory problems even worse, this is not recommended.
The bottom line answer is to keep your home environment as clean as possible, and there are various things you can do, plus tools to help:
- Covers are available for mattresses, box springs, duvets, and pillows that help keep dust mite populations low
- Air purifiers—whole home and individual units—are important for keeping the level of allergens in the air as low as possible, and are essential complements to your vacuum
- Vacuum (preferably with a HEPA filter), paying special attention to critical areas—wherever people spend time—to reduce the amount of dander available to the mites
- Maintain air conditioner filters and try to keep household humidity levels low
- Wash bed linens and clean bed frames frequently
