Dust mites are relatives of the spider and tick. They are not parasitic, do not bite and do not burrow under the skin. They are too small to see with the naked eye. They eat the skin cells that you shed every day and thrive in humid environments. Dust mites require humidity because they cannot drink water, but absorb it from the air. Dust mites are found in most homes in bedding, upholstered furniture and carpeting. The biggest problem they present are allergic reactions that may be suffered by both children and adults.
Causes
According to the Mayo Clinic, an allergy to dust mites originates when your body mistakenly generates antibodies against a protein found in dust mite debris. This debris consists of excrement and mite body parts. When you inhale the debris, your immune system generates an inflammatory response in your nasal passages or lungs. This response can produce two types of reactions: a chronic inflammation or a sudden constriction of your airway passages.
Reactions
According to the Mayo Clinic, dust mite allergies can produce a variety of respiratory tract symptoms. When the antibodies attack the foreign proteins, they release histamines. This causes swelling in the nasal passages and the bronchial tree, with resulting symptoms such as nasal congestion, watery eyes, post-nasal drip, and an itchy nose, roof of the mouth or throat. Inflammation in the lungs will cause an asthma-type reaction, including wheezing, difficulty breathing, chronic coughing and frequent awakening at night.
Considerations
Dust mites are present year-round, but your reactions will be worse when the humidity in the house rises and the windows are closed. According to Environment, Health and Safety Online, dust mites thrive at temperatures above 70 degrees F (20 degrees C) and relative humidity above 80 percent. The dried feces become airborne when you shake bed clothing or sit in an upholstered chair, making your symptoms worse. Anytime there is poor ventilation in the home or office, or when you are exposed to an increased amount of indoor air pollution such as smoke or car fumes, allergic reactions will also get worse.
Prevention/Solution
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends you cover your mattresses and pillows with dust-proof covers to keep the dust mites from invading, and your dead skin cells from settling, in the fabric. Wash your bedding once a week in hot water to kill dust mites. Choose washable stuffed toys for your children. Wash the toys frequently and keep them off of the bed. If your child has severe asthma, you may have to stop using stuffed toys all together. Keep the humidity in your home between 30 and 50 percent. Humidity levels can be monitored using a hygrometer, available at hardware stores or online.
Dust Management
Eliminate dust in the home to reduce dust mite allergens by regularly and thoroughly vacuuming the home. According to the University of Nebraska, people who have allergies should leave the room being vacuumed. Vacuum all upholstered furniture, carpet and furnishings, such as draperies. It may be helpful to use a vacuum cleaner with a high efficiency filter. Dust before you vacuum so the dust has time to settle to the floor and be picked up by the vacuum. Use a damp cloth to keep the dust from scattering. Air purifiers with HEPA filters are also effective at removing dust from the home.
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