The household dust comprises of shed skin flakes, insect excrement and corpses, and mites—all of which are irritants. But among these components, it is the dust mite that is much more a problem. Believe it or not, even though you may have heard of them, you still may not have seen them lurking around your house. That’s because the typical dust mite is microscopic in size. They thrive in places that are moist and warm especially in carpets and mattresses, and feed on dead skin flakes of humans and animals. The dust mite’s effect on human health is significant due to the ability of their excrement and dead bodies to cause allergic reactions in some individuals. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Services, on the year 2010 18 to 30% of the American population experience allergic sensitivity to dust mites.  

Mechanism of the Reaction

The carcasses of house dust mites contain proteins that if inhaled or touch the skin could cause the production of antibodies that would lead to the release of histamine and other chemical mediators. Primarily, it is histamine that causes the following symptoms:

• Persistent runny nose
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Eczema
• Itchy and teary eyes
• Symptoms often occurs at night

These symptoms however are improved when the person goes outside of the premises. In severe cases, this condition may lead to asthma which is characterized by a wheezing sound upon exhalation, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

What Your Doctor Can Do For You

A board-certified allergist will diagnose dust allergy. Diagnosis may involve an inquiry to the environment where symptoms usually occur. The severity of the allergic reaction is also determined. A skin test will be performed by injecting dust mite allergen in small concentrations under the skin. A raised red bump will indicate a positive reaction to the allergen. In cases that a skin test cannot e performed, blood tests may determine the specific antibodies that cause the allergy.

Immunotherapy or allergy shots would be very beneficial to the sensitized person. This involves the introduction of increasing doses of dust mite extracts to provide desensitization of the immune system. Medications are used in adjunct to immunotherapy. They provide relief from the symptoms. Antihistamines improve the itchiness and sneezing, decongestants improve the airway, while corticosteroids decrease the inflammatory reaction.

What You Can Do

The most effective way to prevent dust mite allergy is no other than avoidance through modification of the environment.

• Enclose mattresses & pillows in airtight plastic or special cases impervious to mites.
• Wash the beddings and linens in very hot water at least once a week.
• Reduce the number of house dust mites by keeping the house clean.
• Use a damp cloth when dusting to prevent dust from spreading around.
• Use air purifiers to reduce dust level in the air.
• Clean the air conditioner as they are breeding grounds for mold and dust mites.
• Replace carpeting with tiles, vinyl flooring, or wood to reduce the collection of mites.
• Extremes of temperature can kill the mites. Using hot water in washing linens and curtains, or storing stuff toys in the freezer for 24 hours can effectively kill the offenders.

Although, there is no assurance that the home will be completely free from dust mites, there are sill ways to improve the condition of the house. Cleaning thoroughly can be a good start.