As terrifying as this sounds, there are tiny bugs that live in the dust in your home. These tiny bugs are known as dust mites, and they can cause people worlds of irritation if they have a dust mite allergy.
Related to the flea and tick family, dust mites feed on the dead skin cells found in bedding, carpet, and furniture. They particularly love warmer environments sitting somewhere around 70ºF (21ºC), but they have the ability to survive in all climates.
Nearly 20 million Americans have been diagnosed with a dust mite allergy. If you have been too, you’re not alone. Keep reading for more information on what to do when you have a dust mite allergy.
Know the Symptoms
Even if you have not received a diagnosis, you may suspect that you are allergic to dust. The symptoms of a dust mite allergy include:
- Runny nose
- Watery, itchy, or red eyes
- Swollen skin under eyes
- Postnasal drip
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Pressure and pain in the face
Dust mite allergies can range in severity and intensity. For example, someone with a milder case might exhibit symptoms such as sneezing and watery eyes. Someone with a severe dust mite allergy might exhibit ongoing symptoms such as facial pressure, persistent sneezing, and possibly eczema flare-ups.
Treating Dust Allergies
When you have been experiencing the symptoms of a dust mite allergy for a while, treatment can feel like trial and error. One medication or ointment might work a little, another might not work at all.
The first type of treatment is to manage your environment. This includes:
- Removing upholstery that cannot be washed
- Washing linens, wiping surfaces, and cleaning the fabrics that can be washed
- Decreasing home humidity to 45 percent or less
- Vacuuming carpets twice per week
- Investing in proper ventilation
That last environment management tip is highly important. Proper ventilation in dust mite allergy situations is key in reducing your irritation from these microscopic pests. These 16x20x1 AC filters are fantastic for the prevention of dust mite allergies.
It’s entirely possible that limiting your exposure may not work. That’s where other forms of treatment come in, such as:
- Antihistamines for sneezing, runny nose, and itch relief
- Decongestants to help narrow nasal passages for breath and congestion relief
- Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) pills
- Nasal corticosteroids for inflammation relief
Between doing things to better your home environment and alternative medications, the treatment options for a dust mite allergy are bountiful.
Dust Mite Allergy: The More You Know
Whether or not you have a dust mite allergy, knowing the symptoms and treatment options are incredibly valuable. Someone you know might be exhibiting symptoms, but because you have this information, dust allergy prevention becomes much easier.
Know what to look out for in yourself and your loved ones, and maintain your awareness surrounding the treatment options for dust allergies. The world is so ever-changing and rapidly advancing – especially within the world of health and medicine.
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