According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, dust mites are the No. 1 cause of household allergies related to dust. Dust mites are microscopic creatures that live in warm, humid places such as bedding, the carpet and upholstery. Dust mites droppings, dead mites and dust mite shedding are the causes of the allergic reaction, not the dust itself. Different methods can be used to treat a dust mite allergy. A person should talk with a doctor before self-medicating.
Approaches
Natural remedies for a dust mite allergy can include avoiding dust mites, killing dust mites and using nasal lavage, according to the Mayo Clinic. Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants and nasal corticosteroids are used to treat the common symptoms of a dust mite allergy. Immunology is also used in extreme cases to desensitize a person’s immune system to the allergen.
Natural Treatment
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most effective treatment for a dust mite allergy is avoidance. National Jewish Health states that using dust mites covers, washing bedding in hot, soapy water and reducing humidity below 40 percent in a house are all effective ways to kill household dust mites. Removing carpet and avoid lying on upholstered furniture also will help reduce exposure to dust mites.
Drug Treatment
Drugs are used to treat the symptoms of a dust mite allergy. The use of drugs will not eliminate the allergic reaction as long as the allergen is still present, according to the National Library of Medicine. Antihistamines are used to reduce common allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy throat and watery eyes. Decongestants are used to reduce inflammation in the sinus cavity and restore normal nasal drainage and a person’s breathing ability. Nasal corticosteroids are prescribed steroids used long-term to prevent and treat nasal allergy reactions from dust mites.
Immunology Treatment
Immunology or allergy shots are used in severe circumstances after other approaches have proven ineffective, according to the National Library of Medicine. Immunology is method used to desensitize a person’s immune system to dust mites, according to the Mayo Clinic. Small doses of the dust mite allergen are injected into a person’s body during the course of a few years. The amount of the allergen is slowly increased, raising a person’s ability to handle the allergen.
Considerations
Talk with a doctor if symptoms persist after treatment because the allergic reaction could be the result of another allergen. An individual should consult an allergist for accurate allergy testing and identification.
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