Dust mite allergy happens when the body reacts to tiny bugs. These bugs are called dust mites, and they live in house dust. Signs of this allergy include sneezing and runny nose. However, the reaction varies among people. Some may experience signs of asthma, while others experience difficulty in breathing.
1. Symptoms
The following are the common signs of Dust Allergy:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy, red, or watery eyes
- Itchy nose, mouth, or throat
- Cough
- Pain in the face
- Swollen, blue-colored undereye skin
- For people who have asthma, they will experience:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Pain in the chest
- Audible sound when exhaling
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
Moreover, signs of dust mite allergy can range from mild to severe. A mild case will result in a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Severe cases include persistent sneezing, cough, and asthma attack. Signs of this allergy are mistaken as a common cold. Hence, if the reaction lasts for more than a week, you might have an allergy. Contact a doctor to confirm this. Do so, especially when you experience blockage in your nose. Long periods of shortness of breath may be serious. Call a specialist right away.
2. Causes
Dust Allergy happens when the body reacts to an irritant. The body recognizes the trigger as a threat. It then releases antibodies. These protect a person from unwanted invaders. The result is an infection.
Dust mites eat organic matter. These are tiny organisms that we cannot see. They particularly like the dead skin cells we shed. Also, it can thrive in the humidity in the room. The dust has the waste and decaying bodies of dust mites. Hence, the protein in this matter causes the allergy. They can be found in pillows, carpeting, and mattresses.
The following can trigger an allergy in dust:
- Cockroaches. These live in all types of buildings.
- Mold. It is a fungus that contains spores. These spores float in the air. People who have allergies inhale these spores and have reactions. They like living in moist environments. Likewise, they are common in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Pollen. Pollen comes from trees, grasses, and flowers.
- Animal fur. The hair of your pets can irritate you. Their skin flakes, saliva, and urine may cause an allergic reaction.
3. Risk Factors
Moreover, some are more likely to get a dust allergy. They might have a family history of having allergies. However, the allergy is not limited only to dust.
4. Treatment
There is no treatment for allergy that comes from dust. However, the good thing is the fact that signs are manageable. Call your doctor to determine the actual cause of your allergy. You might need to talk about the history of your allergy. They will ask about symptoms and exposure. They will perform tests. It includes a skin test and blood test. Also, doctors can ask for a skin test where a small amount of the suspected irritant in the skin. Allergy is present if the area reacts.
Medicine
Doctors will recommend medications. Hence, oral medicines will be effective in easing some symptoms. They will reduce a stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, and itching. Some medicines will stop releasing chemicals. These chemicals are responsible for causing allergic reactions.
Nasal Treatment
Furthermore, nasal drops can also help symptoms in the nose. Also, doctors can also perform allergy shots. Hence, it will help lessen reactions to specific triggers. It may also be in the form of oral medicines. The patient will dissolve the tablet under his/her tongue. After that, the doctor will administer the first dose. It will be taken by the patient at home after.
5. Prevention
There is no cure for Dust allergy. The only way to avoid signs is to stay away from the triggers. Therefore it is important to change some home routines. Regularly clean your carpets, curtain, and drapes, especially in the bedroom. Vacuum once or twice a week. Also, try to control the humidity in your house. You can use a dehumidifier. Keep your furry pets off the house.
Buy mite-proof cases for your mattresses and pillows. Wash your beddings in hot water. This temperature will kill dust mites. Hence, dry it thoroughly after. Also, wear a mask when cleaning the house.
Moreover, cover unrefrigerated food. Throw food wastes in a sealed garbage can. Use roach traps to prevent cockroaches. Additionally, you may also call a professional pest control service.
