Dust mites are not visible to humans. They consume dead skin flakes that humans shed. Dust mites are found in every home in the pillows, rugs, curtains, furniture, mattresses and many other items, notes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Dust mites will never be completely eradicated. However, keeping a home very clean reduces the amount of dust mites. The presence of dust mites can cause a variety of health symptoms in humans.
Asthma
Asthma is a symptom of dust mites in a home. An allergy to dust mites increases the odds of experiencing asthma, notes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Symptoms from asthma related to dust mites include chest pain and a wheezing noise during breathing and coughing, notes the MayoClinic.com.
Allergic Reaction
Dust mites can cause an allergic reaction that creates sneezing and fluids dripping from the nose. Irritation to the lining in the interior passages of the nose will also occur due to an allergic reaction to dust mites, notes MayoClinic.com. These symptoms can be ongoing or sporadic.
Under Eye Skin Changes
A blue tint and swelling in the under eye skin and an itch around the nose occur due to contact with dust mites, notes the MayoClinic.com. These symptoms vary in intensity and can become ongoing issues. Dust mites can cause intense symptoms in the facial area that require medical treatment.
Sleep Disruptions
Trouble sleeping solidly throughout the night occurs due to dust mites in the home. Waking up frequently during the night is a typical symptom of contact with dust mites, notes the MayoClinic.com. Patients should keep a log of any unusual sleep disruptions to discuss with their physicians.
Cough
An ongoing cough at times when a cold is not active is a sign of a dust mite infestation, notes the MayoClinic.com. Dust mites can irritate the throat and cause activation of a cough. Cleaning bed linens at least once a week and using a plastic pillow cover will help to limit the amount of dust mites that come in contact with the throat.
Problems Breathing
Shortness of breath is a serious symptom of dust mite contact, notes the MayoClinic.com. This problem can become acute and require immediate medical care. If dust mites build up in the respiratory system, breathing becomes more labored. This can cause severe health risks.
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