Dust mite allergies include such symptoms as excessive sneezing, coughing, runny nose and itchy eyes. The dust mite is a tiny creature that leaves its microscopic droppings on many household surfaces, according to the Mayo Clinic. When it dies, its body is embedded in the dust particles. Your body's immune system forms a response against the mite's droppings when you inadvertently breathe in dust. Your air passages can constrict and you develop the characteristic symptoms of a dust mite allergy. If you suffer from this, there are specific medications and therapies to treat this condition.
Step 1
Go to your local pharmacy and obtain an antihistamine, a decongestant, a corticosteroid or cromolyn sodium. An antihistamine such as desloratidine reduces the production of histamine (chemical made in response to allergies) in your body. With a decrease in histamine, your dust mite allergy symptoms will cease. According to the Mayo Clinic, a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine reduces swelling in your nose allowing you to breath easier. A corticosteroid such as fluticasone is a nasal spray that reduces inflammation and therefore, your symptoms. Cromolyn sodium is also a nasal spray that prevents your body from releasing a chemical that causes inflammation and leads to dust mite allergies. Discuss with your doctor which treatment is best for you.
Step 2
Go to your family doctor to obtain a prescription for a leukotriene modifier such as montelukast. This also reduces your body's response to dust mites and you do not experience allergy symptoms.
Step 3
Obtain immunotherapy to decrease your body's allergic response to dust mite allergens. Immunotherapy involves receiving shots containing small amounts of the dust allergen. This prompts your body to make antibodies so that a potential exposure to a dust mite allergy does not result in any symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, allergy shots are given every four weeks for three to five years.
Step 4
Wash your nostrils daily using a nasal lavage kit. Use as your doctor instructs. This can help clear your nasal passage of any dust mite debris.
Step 5
Continue to take your rescue and long-term control medications if you suffer from asthma. This can prevent you from developing dust mite allergies and provoking asthma symptoms.
Things You'll Need
- Antihistamine such as desloratadine
- Decongestant such as pseudoephedrine
- Corticosteroid such as fluticasone
- Cromolyn sodium
- Leukotriene modifier such as montelukast
- Nasal lavage kit with bulb
- Rescue asthma medication such as albuterol
- Long-term control asthma medication such as fluticasone
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