Dust Mite Allergy Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

A dust mite allergy occurs when you are allergic to dust mite wastes. These tiny pests are commonly found in household dust and feed on the dead skin flakes, or dander, shed by people and animals. Dust mites thrive in homes, including carpets, curtains, upholstered furniture, and bedding. People with a dust mite allergy may experience symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and, in more severe cases, fatigue and weakness.

Research shows that around 20 million people in the US are affected by dust mite allergy. While it’s impossible to eliminate dust mites from homes, there are effective ways to manage them and reduce allergic reactions. This article will explore the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention tips for dust mite allergies, helping you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

What causes dust mite allergy?

Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a specific substance that is usually harmless to the body. Dust mites are microscopic creatures that feed on dead skin cells from people and pets, thriving in warm, humid environments. In the case of dust mite allergy, your immune system reacts to proteins found in dust mite waste, saliva, and body parts.

Breathing in or touching these proteins can trigger allergic reactions. Because dust mites can quickly accumulate in mattresses, carpets, and upholstered furniture, frequent exposure can lead to ongoing dust mite allergy symptoms. Since dust mites cannot be seen with the naked eye, eliminating them is not easy.

What are the symptoms of dust mite allergy?

The symptoms of dust mite allergy can include:

• • Frequent sneezing
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Red, itchy, or teary eyes
  • Coughing, especially at night or in the morning
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Itchy skin
  • Rashes
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Fatigue due to disrupted sleep caused by symptoms

For individuals with asthma, a dust mite allergy can lead to more severe symptoms, such as:

• • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing or talking
  • Persistent coughing
  • Severe asthma attack

Warning!

Study says frequent exposure to dust mites can elevate a child’s risk of developing asthma over time, mainly if there is a family history. Additionally, severe symptoms from a dust mite allergy may result in sinusitis or chronic inflammation of the sinuses.

How to test for a dust mite allergy?

If you experience the above symptoms, especially at home or cleaning, it’s essential to consult an allergist for testing for dust mite allergy. Here are some standard tests that may be conducted to determine if you have an allergic reaction to dust mites:

1. Allergy Skin Test

During an allergy skin test or skin prick test (SPT), an allergist applies a small amount of dust mite extract to the skin, usually on the forearm or back. Next, they scrape or pierce the skin, letting the allergen in. If you have a dust mite allergy, a raised, red bump will show up in 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Blood Test

To check for sensitivity to dust mites, a blood sample is collected to examine the levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies made by the immune system. According to experts, the skin prick test is usually the first step in allergy testing. If the results are unclear, if the skin test can’t be done because of skin issues, or if the patient is very young, the IgE test is used instead.

3. Atopy Patch Test (APT)

The Atopy Patch Test (APT) helps diagnose allergies that may not appear with other testing methods. It involves applying patches with dust mite allergens to the skin, usually on the back, and leaving them on for 48 hours. After this time, the patches are removed, and the skin is checked for reactions like redness or swelling. A positive reaction indicates that you have a delayed allergic reaction to dust mites.

How to treat dust mite allergy?

Dust mite allergy treatment involves a range of medications that target different symptoms, including:

1. Antihistamines

Antihistamines block the effects of histamine in the body, a substance released during allergic reactions. It will help relieve dust mite allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Antihistamines such as Claritin or Zyrtec are often the first line of treatment for dust mite allergies.

2. Decongestants

Decongestants such as Pseudoephedrine and Phenylephrine can reduce nasal congestion and swelling by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages. They are available as oral tablets or nasal sprays, relieving stuffy or runny noses in dust mite allergies.

3. Nasal Corticosteroids

Prescription nasal sprays like Flonase or Nasacort contain corticosteroids to help reduce swelling in the nasal passages. They relieve congestion, runny nose, and sneezing and improve the airway if you have a dust mite allergy.

4. Leukotriene Modifiers

These medications block leukotrienes, which are chemicals that contribute to allergic reactions and asthma symptoms. Montelukast and Zafirlukast are leukotriene modifiers that can help alleviate breathing problems related to dust mite allergy.

5. Immunotherapy

Sometimes, allergists may recommend allergy shots or sublingual tablets to help desensitize the immune system to dust mites over time. This treatment, known as immunotherapy, is a long-term approach that typically lasts 3-5 years.

While it takes time, the effects can last as the immune system becomes less reactive to dust mites, relieving persistent allergy symptoms.

Dr. Purvi S. Parikh, an allergist specializing in Infectious Disease Allergy and Immunology, explains that allergy shots can help desensitize individuals to multiple allergens. At the same time, oral tablets are specifically effective for dust mites.

Watch the full video below to learn more about immunotherapy options and their effects on dust mite allergies.

How to prevent dust mite allergy?

While there is no cure for dust mite allergy and dust mites can’t be completely eliminated, you can manage symptoms and reduce exposure with these strategies:

• • Use dust mite-proof covers over box springs, mattresses, and pillows to keep the mites out of your home. These covers are made from tightly woven materials that stop dust mites and their allergens from getting into your bedding and usually cost between $20 and $100.

• • To avoid dust mites, wash blankets, sheets, and pillowcases in hot water (130°F or higher) at least once a week.

• • Dust mites prefer humid surroundings, so use air conditioning or dehumidifiers to keep indoor humidity levels below 50% and temperature between 68°F and 72°F (20°C and 22°C).

• • For effective cleaning of carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture, use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter that traps dust mites and allergens. A HEPA filter, which stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter, traps 99.97% of particles, including dust mites, dust, pollen, and other allergens, significantly improving indoor air quality.

• • To lessen dust mite habitats, choose hard flooring and machine-washable blinds or curtains.

• • Remove dust-collecting items such as stuffed animals, excess pillows, and other fabrics, especially from bedrooms.

Pro Tip

To get rid of dust mites and their eggs, you can put your bedding or other fabrics in a plastic bag and freeze them overnight. Clove oil can also help eliminate dust mites by diffusing it or mixing it with water and spraying it on bedding and mattresses.

Final Words

Dust mite allergy is tough to deal with, but you can manage the symptoms by using the right medications, making simple lifestyle changes, and keeping your home environment clean. Learning about what causes the allergy and limiting dust mites in your home can help you feel better and improve your quality of life. Be sure to talk to an allergist for specific advice and treatment options that work best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions