Allergies affect millions of Americans in various ways, according to the Mayo Clinic. A common allergen found almost everywhere in the world is dust. People who are allergic to dust react with sneezing, watery eyes, a stuffy nose and asthma. Most dust allergies are an indirect result of dust mites, cockroaches, mold and animal byproducts, according to American College of Allergies, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). A person who is allergic to dust may experience one or more symptoms almost immediately after coming in contact with dust particles.
Sneezing
Someone who is allergic to dust will react with excessive sneezing. Unlike sneezing from the common cold, a person with a dust allergy will find himself having sneezing attacks. Bouts of sneezing come on hard and strong, with consecutive and intense sneezes that are uncontrollable. This type of sneezing is the body's way of attempting to rid itself of the allergen.
Eye Irritation
Eye irritation is another common symptom of a dust mite allergy. Eye irritation can manifest itself with tearing, redness or a severe itch. The eyes can feel dry and cracked, causing the individual to rub the eyes. Eye tearing is common in either one or both eyes and can transpire while sleeping, especially if the person is sleeping on a pillow where dust mites have colonized.
Nasal Irritation
The sinus cavity can be the first sign of an allergic reaction to dust. The sinuses may be the first place the body comes into contact with the dust, causing swelling, excess mucus production and head pain. A person may experience a runny nose, severe congestion, postnasal drip and sinus pressure. The sinus pressure can press on different areas of the head, leading to ear, eye or tooth pain.
Asthma
The body's allergic response may cause an asthmatic attack in people who are prone to asthma. A dust allergy can provoke an asthma attack or may cause less-severe asthmatic symptoms such as tightness of the chest, difficulty breathing and wheezing. This may be particularly true if the person has breathed in large amounts of dust during cleaning. A person with a severe dust allergy may need to seek medical attention immediately if she becomes dizzy, lightheaded or faint due to lack of successful breathing, states the Mayo Clinic.
Other Symptoms
Other symptoms of a dust allergy are: trouble sleeping, an upward rubbing of the nose in children, coughing and facial pressure. Many times, a dust allergy will also manifest itself with a swelling under the eyes in a bluish-gray color.
