House dust mites (HDM) are the most common cause of year-long indoor allergies and asthma, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). Dust mites are microscopic animals related to spiders that feed on skin cells that people and pets normally shed. High levels of mites are found inside mattresses, pillows, carpeting, upholstered furniture and stuffed toys. Mites do not bite people or cause disease. Rather, proteins (called allergens) found in mite fecal matter and decaying parts cause allergic reactions. Allergic reactions to dust mites can range from mild to severe, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms.
Hay Fever
If you are allergic to dust mite, you may experience symptoms similar to hay fever (allergic rhinitis) when you inhale dust particles, notes the Mayo Clinic. Occasional sneezing and runny nose are mild reactions to dust mite allergens. Because these mild symptoms are similar to a cold, it may be difficult to know if you have allergies or colds, so consult a doctor if your symptoms last more than a week. More severe reactions include chronic sinus infections, including nasal congestion, postnasal drip and facial pressure and pain that persist for long periods of time. Talk to your doctor if you suspect dust mite allergies to give you options in managing hay fever and other symptoms.
Eye Allergy Symptoms
Your allergic reaction to dust mite may involve allergic conjunctivitis, or eye allergies, when allergens come into contact with your eyes. The ACAAI describes eye allergy symptoms as itchy, red or watery eyes that may be uncomfortable but otherwise harmless to the eyes. You may experience these symptoms alone or with hay fever. As with hay fever, chronic eye allergy symptoms may persist if exposure to dust mites are not controlled or reduced. Vacuuming alone does not completely remove dust mites from homes, notes the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), because mites live deep inside furniture.
Instead, washing sheets and blankets weekly in very hot water (at least 130 degrees F) will kill dust mite and prevent more infestations. Another way to control your exposure to dust mite is to cover mattresses and pillows with covers labeled "allergen-impermeable". The AAFA has a non-profit certification program that can help you make informed decisions on buying allergy-friendly products.
Allergic Asthma
Dust mite allergy and asthma are related, according to Dr. Geoffrey Mueller in the April 2010 issue of "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology." Among the indoor allergens, dust mites are most-commonly related with asthma symptoms. More than 80 percent of asthma patients show immediate allergic reaction to house dust mites. If you are allergic to dust mites, your asthma symptoms may include wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness or pain and difficulty breathing. Managing asthma symptoms related to dust mite allergy is often difficult, according to the Mayo Clinic, because it is impossible to completely get rid of the allergens. Exposure to higher amounts of dust mites can also make the asthmatic symptoms worse and chronic. If you have dust mite allergies and/or uncontrolled asthma, talk to your doctor to discuss medications and treatment options.
References
- American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: House Dust Allergy
- Mayo Clinic: Dust Mite Allergy
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Dust Mites
- "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology"; The structure of the dust mite allergen Der p 7 reveals similarities to innate immune proteins; Geoffrey Mueller; April 2010.
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