Dust mites are unseen bugs, about a quarter of millimeter long, and can cause allergies in children due to certain proteins in the waste they leave behind, according to The Children's Hospital at Westmead. FamilyDoctor.org explains that dust mites feed on human dander (dead skin cells) and thrive in humid environments such as carpets, bedding and upholstered furniture. Children with asthma or other allergies may be more susceptible to developing a dust mite allergy, according to KidsHealth.org.
Symptoms
An allergic reaction in children may be more obvious than in adults, according to the Mayo Clinic. A dust mite will cause distinctive symptoms in children such as a runny nose, sneezing, frequent wakening, swollen eyes and an upward rubbing of the nose. A dust mite allergy primarily affects the nasal passages, causing the child to become very uncomfortable. Two symptoms that are specific to children are dark circles around puffy eyes (allergic shiner) and the upward rubbing of the nose, notes the Mayo Clinic. FamilyDoctor.org states that if a child has asthma, a dust mite allergy can cause wheezing.
Prevention
KidsHealth.org states that preventing dust mites begins with removing any aspects of of the environment that make it inviting for mites to live in. Purchase dust mite-proof covers for all bedding, wash bed sheets once a week in soapy water over 130 degrees Fahrenheit, wash curtains and throw rugs regularly, remove carpet if possible, remove excess stuffed animals and wash the remaining ones often and avoid the use of room humidifiers because dust mites thrive in humid environments.
Treatment
FamilyDoctor.org states that the use of antihistamines may be recommended to treat a dust mite allergy in children. A person should not give his child any medication without consulting the child's pediatrician. An antihistamine will help to alleviate the child's symptoms but will not cure the problem. Only killing and removing dust mites from the environment and taking preventive measures against them will provide consistent relief for the child.
Complications
Common complications of a dust mite allergy in children are sinusitis, asthma and eczema outbreaks, according to the Mayo Clinic. A dust mite allergy causes the sinus cavity to become inflamed, which can easily lead to a sinus infection. If a child has asthma, a dust mite allergy may aggravate the asthma. Eczema is a common childhood skin condition that can flare up if a child has an allergic reaction to dust mites.
Considerations
A dust mite allergy should be diagnosed and treated by a pediatric allergist. Allergy tests can determine the specific cause of the child's allergies. Parents should not attempt to diagnose or treat a dust mite allergy without confirmation from a medical professional.
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