Allergies affect as many as 60 million children and adults in America, according to the “Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine,” with dust being one of the most prevalent allergens. If you’re sneezing, wheezing and congested after vacuuming or sweeping, your sinuses may be trying to tell you something. Your doctor can perform an allergy test to determine whether dust is triggering your symptoms.
Allergies
If you’re allergic to something, that means your body reacts to the substance in an unusual fashion. The substance does not have to be toxic to others. When you have allergies, exposure to the offending substance triggers the release of histamines that often target the sinuses, resulting in watery eyes, sinus headache, a runny nose or a raw and scratchy throat. You may also have non-sinus allergy symptoms that include shortness of breath, rash, localized swelling and itching.
Dust Mites
An allergy to dust may actually be an allergy to dust mites, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. These microscopic pests thrive in humid conditions, especially during warm temperatures. Because dust mites are tiny and lightweight, simple tasks such as vacuuming or just plumping a pillow can send a cloud of dust mites into the air where you can inhale them. ACAAI reports that a single gram of dust may contain up to 19,000 dust mites.
Treatment
Conventional treatments to reduce allergy-related sinus symptoms include prescription medications, over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants, pain relievers and allergy shots. Alternative treatments include herbal remedies, such as nettle tea, which contains natural antihistamines or nasal irrigation with a warm saline solution. Your doctor might prescribe antibiotics if you develop a sinus infection.
Prevention
Reduce the risk of dust allergy symptoms by reducing the amount of dust mites in your home or workplace. ACAAI suggests removing carpeting, especially in the bedroom, and using a HEPA air cleaner to remove dust particles from the air. Keep pets outdoors and wear a mask to prevent inhaling dust mites when you’re cleaning.
References
- “Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine”; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- MedlinePlus: Allergy
- American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; House Dust Allergy; 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Acute Sinusitis: Treatments and Drugs; October 2010
