Dust Allergies

A mixture of all kinds of materials is found in everyday house dust: lint, stuffing materials, bacteria (Read about "Microorganisms"), dead skin cells, food particles and bits of plants and insects. Dust mites are tiny organisms that live off these substances and produce waste. In some people, the waste products from dust mites trigger their immune system to cause an allergic reaction. (Read about "Allergies" "The Immune System") In fact, dust mites may be the most common cause of "perennial allergic rhinitis," which is nasal inflammation that occurs year-round, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). (Read about "Sinusitis & Rhinitis")

Symptoms of dust allergies often involve the respiratory tract. (Read about "Respiratory System") The eyes and skin can be affected too. (Read about "The Eye" "Skin") Symptoms can include:

• sneezing
• runny nose
• stuffy nose
• watery eyes
• coughing
• itchy eyes, nose or throat
• dark circles under the eyes
• hives (Read about "Hives")
• conjunctivitis/pink eye (Read about "Conjunctivitis")

Dust mites love warm, humid areas. They thrive in mattresses, bedding, furniture and carpets. Cleaning these areas will help cut down on the number of dust mites in your home. The bedroom is especially important because there are so many areas there for dust mites to live.

Here are some suggestions on reducing dust mites from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP):

• Cover mattresses and pillows with airtight plastic covers.
• Wash all bedding in very hot water (at least 130 degrees F) every week.
• Remove feather pillows and down filled blankets.
• Remove curtains or wash them in hot water periodically.
• Use shades instead of window blinds.
• Replace carpeting with hardwood, tile or linoleum floors.
• Vacuum regularly, especially with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter vacuum.
• Mop with a damp mop and wipe surfaces often with a damp cloth.

All carpets trap dust, but NIAID says shag carpets are the worst, avoid them. AAFP says don't put rugs or carpet over concrete floors, as it encourages dust mite growth. If you don't want to remove your carpets, there is a way to treat them with tannic acid. However, AAFP says the acid itself can be irritating, so you may want to check with your doctor or allergist before taking this approach.

If you still have problems, medications may provide some relief. (Read about "Medicine Safety") There are several types:

• Antihistamines counter the effects of histamine, which is released by the mast cells in the body's tissues and contributes to allergy symptoms. Because of how they work, antihistamines help to relieve the sneezing and itching symptoms. Many antihistamines can produce drowsiness. There are also less sedating antihistamines, but NIAID says some of these can have serious side effects, particularly if they are taken with certain other drugs, so always discuss this with your doctor.
• Topical nasal steroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that stop the allergic reaction. They can reduce the number of mast cells in the nose and reduce mucus secretion and nasal swelling. Ask your doctor about side effects.
• Decongestants (oral or nasal) may be used also, though not for more than a few days, since longer use can lead to even more congestion and swelling of the nasal passages. Again, talk this over with your doctor.

If you are allergic to dust mites, you may also be at risk of developing asthma. (Read about "Asthma") In addition, if you have asthma, the presence of dust mites can make it worse. So it is important to take steps to decrease the number of dust mites in your home as much as possible.