Allergy to dust mites

Description

Dust mite allergy is an allergic reaction to tiny bugs that commonly live in house dust. The signs of allergy to dust mites, which include those common to hay fever, such as sneezing and runny nose. Many people with allergies to dust mites also experience symptoms of asthma, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Dust mites, close relatives of ticks and spiders, are too small to see without a microscope. Dust mites eat skin cells shed by people, and develop in warm, moist environments. In most homes, the items such as bedding, upholstered furniture and carpeting provide an ideal environment for dust mites.

Taking steps to reduce the number of dust mites in your home, you can get control of the allergy to dust mites. Medications or other treatments are sometimes necessary to relieve symptoms and control the asthma.

Symptoms

The symptoms of the allergy to dust mites caused by the inflammation of nasal passages include:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Itching, red or watery eyes
  • Nasal congestion
  • Itching in the nose, the roof of the mouth or throat
  • Postnasal drip
  • Cough
  • Facial pressure and pain
  • Swollen, blue-colored skin under your eyes
  • In a child, frequent upward rubbing of the nose

If your allergic to dust mites contributes to asthma, you may also experience:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest tightness or pain
  • You hear a whistling sound or a sound of wheezing when exhaling
  • Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
  • Bouts of coughing or wheezing that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu

An allergy to dust mites can vary from mild to severe. A mild case of allergy to dust mites can cause an occasional runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. In severe cases, the disease can be ongoing (chronic), resulting in persistent sneezing, cough, congestion, facial pressure, a flare-up of eczema or severe asthma attack.

When to see a doctor

Some of the signs and symptoms of allergy to dust mites, such as runny nose or sneezing, are similar to those of a common cold. Sometimes it is difficult to know if you have a cold or an allergy. If symptoms persist for more than a week, you may have an allergy.

If signs and symptoms are severe, such as severe nasal congestion, wheezing, or difficulty sleeping — call your doctor. Seek emergency medical attention if wheezing or shortness of breath quickly gets worse, or if you experience shortness of breath with minimal activity.

Causes

Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance, such as pollen, pet dander or dust mites. Your immune system produces proteins known as antibodies that protect you from unwanted invaders that could make you sick or cause an infection.

When you have allergies, the immune system produces antibodies that identify your particular allergen as something harmful, even though it is not. When you come into contact with the allergen, your immune system produces an inflammatory response of the nasal passages or lungs. Prolonged or regular exposure to allergens can cause ongoing (chronic) inflammation associated with asthma.

Dust mites eat the organic matter, such as cells of the skin of the people have thrown out, and instead of drinking water, they will absorb the water from moisture in the atmosphere.

The powder also contains the feces and decaying bodies of dust mites, and it is the proteins present in this dust mite "debris" that are to blame for the allergy to dust mites.

Risk factors

The following factors may increase your risk of developing an allergy to dust mites:

  • Having a family history of allergies. You are more likely to develop a sensitivity to dust mites if several members of your family have allergies.
  • Exposure to dust mites. Be exposed to high levels of dust mites, especially early in life, increases the risk.
  • Be a child or a young adult. You are more likely to develop an allergy to dust mites during childhood or early adulthood.

Complications

If you have an allergy to dust mites, exposure to the mites and their waste can cause complications.

  • Infections of the sinuses. Ongoing (chronic) inflammation of the tissues in the nasal passages caused by an allergy to dust mites can block your sinuses, the hollow cavities connected to your nasal passages. These obstructions can make you more prone to developing infections of the sinuses (sinusitis).
  • Asthma. People with asthma and allergy to dust mites often have difficulty in managing the symptoms of asthma. They may be at risk of asthma attacks that require immediate medical treatment or emergency care.

Allergy to dust mites

Diagnosis

Your doctor may suspect an allergy to dust mites is based on the symptoms and your answers to questions about your home.

To confirm that you are allergic to some substances in the air, your doctor may use a lighted instrument to look at the condition of the mucosa of the nose. If you have an allergy to something in the air, the lining of the nasal passages become inflamed and may appear pale or bluish color.

Your doctor may suspect an allergy to dust mites if your symptoms are worse when you go to bed, or while cleaning — when the allergens of dust mites temporary in the air. If you have a pet, it can be more difficult to determine the cause of the allergy, especially if your pet sleeps in your bedroom.

  • Allergy test cutánea.Su doctor may suggest an allergy skin test to determine what you are allergic to. You may be referred to an allergy specialist (allergist) for this test. In this test, small amounts of purified allergen extracts — including an extract of dust mites — are raised on the surface of the skin. This is usually conducted in the forearm, but it can be done in the upper part of the back. Your doctor or nurse observes your skin for signs of allergic reactions after 15 minutes. If you are allergic to dust mites, you'll develop a red, itchy bump where the dust mite extract was pricked into your skin. The most common side effects of these skin tests are itching and redness. These side effects usually disappear within 30 minutes.
  • Allergy blood test. Some people cannot undergo a skin test because they have a skin condition or taking any medication that may affect the results. As an alternative, your doctor may order a blood test that detects specific allergy-causing antibodies to various common allergens, including dust mites. This test can also indicate how sensitive to an allergen.

Allergy skin test. Your doctor may suggest an allergy skin test to determine what you are allergic to. You may be referred to an allergy specialist (allergist) for this test.

In this test, small amounts of purified allergen extracts — including an extract of dust mites — are raised on the surface of the skin. This is usually conducted in the forearm, but it can be done in the upper part of the back.

Your doctor or nurse observes your skin for signs of allergic reactions after 15 minutes. If you are allergic to dust mites, you'll develop a red, itchy bump where the dust mite extract was pricked into your skin. The most common side effects of these skin tests are itching and redness. These side effects usually disappear within 30 minutes.

Treatment

The first treatment for the control of allergy to dust mites is to prevent dust mites as much as possible. When you minimize your exposure to dust mites, you can expect fewer or less severe allergic reactions. However, it is impossible to completely eliminate dust mites from your environment. You may also need medications to control the symptoms.

Allergy medications

Your doctor may tell you to take one of the following medications to improve the symptoms of nasal allergies:

  • Antihistamines reduce the production of an immune system chemical that is active in an allergic reaction. These medications relieve the itching, sneezing, and runny nose. Over-the-counter antihistamine tablets, such as fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy), loratadine (Alavert, Claritin,), cetirizine (Zyrtec) and others, as well as antihistamine syrups for children, are available. Prescription antihistamines taken as a nasal spray include azelastine (Astelin, Astepro) and olopatadine (Patanase).
  • Corticosteroids are delivered as a nasal spray that can reduce inflammation and control symptoms of hay fever. These medications include fluticasone propionate (Flonase Allergy Relief), mometasone furoate (Nasonex), triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24 HOURS), ciclesonide (Omnaris), and others. Nasal corticosteroids provide a low dose of the drug, and have a much lower risk of side effects compared with oral corticosteroids.
  • Decongestantscan help to reduce swelling of tissues in the nasal passages and make it easier to breathe through the nose. Some over-the-counter tablets for allergy combine an antihistamine with a decongestant. Oral decongestants may increase blood pressure, and should not be taken if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, or cardiovascular disease. In men with an enlarged prostate, the drug may worsen the condition. Talk with your doctor about whether you can take a decongestant. Over-the-counter decongestants taken as a nasal spray may briefly reduce the symptoms of allergy. If you use a decongestant spray for more than three days in a row, however, it can actually make the nasal congestion worse.
  • Leukotriene modifiers block the action of certain immune system chemicals. Your doctor may prescribe the switch of leukotrienes, montelukast (Singulair), which comes in a tablet form. Possible side effects of montelukast include upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and fever. Less common side effects include behavioral or mood changes, such as anxiety or depression.

Decongestants can help to reduce swelling of tissues in the nasal passages and make it easier to breathe through the nose. Some over-the-counter tablets for allergy combine an antihistamine with a decongestant. Oral decongestants may increase blood pressure, and should not be taken if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, or cardiovascular disease. In men with an enlarged prostate, the drug may worsen the condition. Talk with your doctor about whether you can take a decongestant.

Over-the-counter decongestants taken as a nasal spray may briefly reduce the symptoms of allergy. If you use a decongestant spray for more than three days in a row, however, it can actually make the nasal congestion worse.

Other therapies

  • Immunotherapy. You can "train" your immune system will not be sensitive to an allergen. Immunotherapy is delivered through a series of allergy shots or pills under the tongue (sublingual). One to two weekly injections or tablets to expose to very small doses of the allergen — in this case, the dust mites of the proteins that cause the allergic reaction. The dose is increased gradually, usually over a period of three to six months. Maintenance pills or injections are needed every four weeks for three to five years. Immunotherapy is generally used when other simple treatments are not satisfactory.
  • The Nasal irrigation. You can use a neti pot or a specially designed squeeze the bottle to empty the thickened mucus and irritants from the nasal sinuses with a prepared salt water (saline solution) rinse. If you are preparing the saline solution itself, the use of water that is free of contaminants — distilled, sterile, previously boiled and cooled, or filtered using a filter that has an absolute pore size of 1 micron or less. Be sure to rinse the irrigation device after each use with contaminant-free water, and leave to air dry.

Self-care

Avoid exposure to dust mites is the best strategy for the control of allergy to dust mites. While you can't completely eliminate dust mites from your home, you can significantly reduce their number. Here's how:

  • Use allergen-proof bed covers. Keep your mattress and pillows in dust or allergen-blocking covers. These covers, made of tightly woven fabric, prevent dust mites from colonization or escaping the mattress and pillows. Encase springs in allergen-proof covers.
  • Wash bedding weekly. Wash all sheets, blankets, pillowcases and bed sheets in hot water that is at least 130 F (54.4 C) to kill dust mites and remove allergens. If bedding can't be washed in hot, put the items in the dryer for at least 15 minutes at a temperature above 130 F (54.4 C) to kill the mites. Then, wash and dry the bedding to remove the allergens. Freezing non-washable items in 24 hours, they can also kill dust mites, but this is not going to remove the allergens.
  • Keep humidity low. Maintain a relative humidity below 50% in his home. A dehumidifier or an air conditioner can help to keep humidity low, and a hygrometer (available at hardware stores) can measure humidity levels.
  • To choose the bedding wisely. Prevent quilts that catch dust easily and are difficult to clean often.
  • Buy washable stuffed toys. Wash frequently in warm water and dry thoroughly. Also, keep stuffed toys off beds.
  • Remove the dust. Use a damp cloth or oiled mop or cloth in place of dry material to clean the dust. This prevents dust from being released into the air and settle down.
  • Vacuum regularly. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture removes surface dust, but the vacuum cleaner is not effective in the removal of most of the dust mites and the allergens of house dust mites. Use a vacuum cleaner with a double-layered microfilter bag or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to help reduce house-dust emissions in the cleaner. If your allergies are severe, stay out of the area of the vacuum cleaner while someone else does the work. Wait two hours before going back in the aspirate of the room.
  • Cut the clutter. If it collects dust, it also collects dust mites. Remove the decorations, table decorations, books, magazines and newspapers of his bedroom.
  • Remove rugs and other dust mite habitats. Carpet provides a comfortable habitat for dust mites. This is especially true if the carpet is more concrete, which holds moisture easily and provides a moist environment for the mites. If possible, replace wall-to-wall in the bedroom carpeting with tile, wood, linoleum, or vinyl. Consider the possibility of the substitution of other dust-collection of furniture in the rooms, such as upholstered furniture, non-washable curtains and blinds horizontal.
  • Install a high efficiency media filter in your heating system and air conditioning. Look for a filter with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 11 or 12 years old, and leaving the fan to create a whole house air filter. Make sure you change the filter every three months.

Preparing for your appointment

If you have what seems to be a constant runny nose, sneezing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms that may be related to an allergy, it is likely to start by seeing your family doctor or general practitioner. Because appointments can be brief and there's often a lot of ground to cover, it is a good idea to prepare before you go.

What you can do

  • Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to allergy-like symptoms.
  • Write the story of your family from allergy and asthma, including the specific types of allergies if you know of them.
  • Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements you are taking.
  • Ask if you should stop taking any medication that would affect the results of allergy skin test. Antihistamines, for example, could suppress the symptoms of the allergy.

Prepare a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. For symptoms that may be related to allergy to dust mites, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms and signs?
  • There are other possible causes?
  • What I'm going to need allergy tests?
  • Should I see an allergy specialist?
  • What is the best treatment?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions?
  • Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing for me?
  • What changes can I make at home to reduce my exposure to dust mites?
  • Of the changes I have described, which are the most likely to help?
  • If the first round of drug treatments and the environmental changes that we have discussed does not help, what are we going to do next?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take home? What sites do you recommend?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, do not hesitate to ask questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you a series of questions. Be ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:

  • When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
  • Do these symptoms bother you throughout the year?
  • Is a worsening of symptoms at certain times of the day?
  • Are the symptoms worse in the bedroom or in other rooms in the house?
  • Do you have indoor pets, and they go in the bedroom?
  • What kind of self-care techniques have been used, and have helped?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
  • There is moisture or water damage in the home or place of work?
  • Do you have an air conditioner in the home?
  • Do you have asthma?

The impact of a pollen allergy can be remarkable as seasonal allergies. For example, you may have more difficulty managing your asthma for a short time during the summer. Allergy to dust mites, on the other hand, it is due to something that you are constantly exposed to a certain degree. Therefore, it is not recognized as a factor that complicates their asthma when, in reality, can be a primary cause.

What you can do in the meantime

If you suspect that you may be allergic to dust mites, take measures to reduce the dust in the house, especially in your bedroom. Keep your bedroom clean, removing the dust-collecting clutter and wash bedding in hot water that is at least 130 F (54.4 C).

Symptoms and treatment of allergy to Dust mites