Allergies are often inherited, although the types of allergies may differ within families. If you or your partner has allergies, the chances of your baby having allergies increases, including dust allergies. Dust allergies are attributed to dust and a type of microscopic organism called dust mites. According to Baby Center, 85 percent of babies who have allergies have a sensitivity to dust mites. Dust allergies themselves are treatable. However, an untreated dust allergy in your baby can lead to other problems.
Cause
Allergies are caused by the exertion of antibodies known as immunoglobulin E. These antibodies are produced within the bloodstream when your body comes into contact with a specific allergen, such as dust mites. During such a response, histamine is released within your body, resulting in bothersome allergy symptoms.
Symptoms
Since dust mite allergies primarily cause nasal symptoms, such symptoms are often mistaken for those of a cold. Unlike a cold, symptoms of a nasal allergy persist past a week. Your baby may also sneeze a lot and exert clear mucous as opposed to yellow; yellow mucous is generally associated with an infection. Other symptoms of a dust allergy may include under-eye circles, skin rash, watery eyes and dry cough.
Effects
Due to the microscopic size of dust mites, they are easily breathed in through the nasal passageways. They can easily become trapped in babies, as their passageways are smaller. Untreated nasal allergies can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma. In severe dust allergy reaction cases, your baby can enter into a state of shock, also known as anaphylaxis.
Prevention
It is essential to prevent dust accumulation in your home as well as the accompanying dust mites, especially if your baby has a dust allergy. Vacuum and clean your baby’s room at least once a week. Avoid dusting with baby in the room, as dust particles can stir up while cleaning. Avoid using ceiling fans in your baby’s room, as they are common culprits of dust accumulation and spreading. Encase her pillow and mattress in sealed covers. Finally, consider using high efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filters in your vacuum cleaner and air conditioning unit.
Medical Treatment
Prescription antihistamines for dust allergy require a proper diagnosis beforehand. Your pediatrician may offer blood tests, but these are not entirely accurate in babies. Instead, see an allergist for a skin prick test. During the test, a vial of the allergen is placed on the skin to see if a skin reaction occurs. Once a dust mite allergy is diagnosed, your allergist will likely recommend preventive measures as well as a prescription antihistamine to help relieve symptoms. Kids Health recommends allergy shots for patients who continue to suffer from dust allergies.
