Dust Mite Allergies: All We Need to Know

What Are Dust Mites?

Dust mites are tiny and cannot be seen with the naked eye. They are smaller in size but create bigger problems for humans! Microscopes are required to view them, and they are seen as white bugs. They resemble spiders with eight legs. They can survive in temperatures of 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. They are primarily present in our homes, as they survive in humid climates.

Is it not interesting that these dust mites feed on small flakes of human skin, which humans shed daily? The flakes are mostly found deep in furniture layers, carpets, and bedding, where these mites thrive. Dust mites affect many individuals worldwide.

What Does Dust Mite Allergy Mean, and How Does It Occur?

Dust mite allergy occurs when the body parts and wastes of dust mites cause an allergic reaction. Most dust mites die in low humidity levels, and they cannot survive in extreme temperatures. An allergic reaction is caused as these dust mites leave their dead bodies and waste behind. The dust mite survives in a humid climate throughout the year. When individuals allergic to dust mites encounter these allergens, their immune system produces an immunoglobulin E antibody, which stimulates the release of histamine and other chemicals within the body.

What Are the Causes of Dust Mite Allergy?

When the individual’s immune system reacts to pollen or dust mites, allergies start developing. An allergic reaction occurs when the body starts showing symptoms such as a runny nose and sneezing. Asthma can occur when these symptoms become severe.

Dust mite allergy is mainly seen in individuals:

• Having a family history of dust or any allergies.

• Young children.

• Exposed to lots of dust particles.

How Does a Dust Mite Allergy Affect the Body?

When an individual is affected by dust mite allergy for the first time, the body responds by creating antibodies such as immunoglobulin E. Immunoglobulin E helps attack these allergens. When these dust mites attack our body again, our immune system responds more rapidly. This response, in turn, causes allergy symptoms.

Symptoms of Dust Mite Allergy

Symptoms of dust mite allergy are:

• Sneezing.

• Runny or stuffy nose.

• Itchy or watery eyes.

• Cough.

• Postnasal drip (mucus formation and accumulation in the throat).

• Facial pressure or pain.

• Skin irritation.

If asthma is being triggered due to this dust mite, individuals might experience:

• Breathing difficulty.

• Wheezing and shortness of breath.

• Tightness of chest.

• Trouble sleeping due to nasal congestion or difficulty breathing.

• While breathing out, a wheezing sound is heard.

What Are the Ways to Diagnose Dust Mite Allergy?

Diagnosis includes a physical examination by the doctor and a discussion of the individual's symptoms. If symptoms are present throughout the year, it could be due to dust mite allergy. A skin or blood test is done to diagnose dust mite allergy.

The names of the tests are

• Skin prick test (SPT).

• Specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) blood test.

Skin Prick Test (SPT):

A nurse or doctor will place a small drop of the possible allergen on your skin to perform this test. The nurse then lightly pricked or scratched the spot with the help of a needle through the drop. Within 20 minutes, the site will develop itching, redness, and swelling if you are allergic to a particular substance. Sometimes, a wheal might also develop. A wheal resembles a hive that is raised and rounded. The larger wheal indicates that the individual is allergic to an allergen. An SPT test alone is not sufficient to confirm that an individual is allergic to a specific allergen. Doctors must compare the skin test results with the time and place of an individual's symptoms to see if they match.

Specific IgE Blood Test:

Blood tests are usually done when an individual has a skin condition or takes any medications that interfere with skin testing. They are also done in children who cannot tolerate skin tests. The nurse takes the blood sample and sends it to the laboratory. After collecting the blood sample, the laboratory adds the allergen to it. The amount of antibodies in the blood is also measured to bind to the allergens. This is known as an IgE blood test.

Can Dust Mite Allergies Be Treated?

Yes, dust mite allergies can be treated. But there is no cure. Treatment mainly depends on limiting exposure to dust mites. However, we cannot eliminate them, and medications are available to control the symptoms. Other treatments are allergy shots through subcutaneous immunotherapy and sublingual immunotherapy.

Medications

Medications will help reduce the symptoms of dust mite allergies.

These include:

• Antihistamines are available as pills, nasal sprays, or liquids. They help reduce runny noses, sneezing, and itching in the nose and eyes.

• Nasal corticosteroids, available in spray form, help reduce swelling in the nose and can reduce almost all the symptoms of dust mite allergies.

• Leukotriene receptor antagonist.

• Decongestants are available as liquids, pills, nasal sprays, or drops. They shrink the lining of the nasal passages and relieve stuffiness.

Allergy Shots

It is a subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and one of the effective treatments. Here, a series of shots containing more allergens is given. Initially, this injection is injected into the fat under the skin once a week. Individuals who receive this shot are relieved from allergies for one to three years.

Sublingual Immunotherapy

This treatment is done without injections. The individual places small doses of the allergen under the tongue. This treatment improves the tolerance to dust mites and helps reduce the symptoms.

Is It Possible to Get Rid of Dust Mite Allergies?

Yes, it is possible to get rid of dust mite allergies.

Dust mite allergies can be prevented by:

• Keeping the home free from dust as much as possible.

• We recommend covering the mattress and pillows with dust-proof covers. The cover’s pores are designed too small for dust mites to enter through.

• Washing the bedsheets, blankets, and bedding every week in hot water will help kill these mites.

• Using a humidifier makes it less suitable for the mites to survive.

• Clean the hard surfaces with a wet cloth. This will help prevent dry allergens from entering the air.

• HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters will help trap dust mites and other allergens. It is essential to change these filters every three months.

Conclusion

Dust mites are smaller in size but can cause allergies in humans. Many possible ways to eliminate dust mite allergies include maintaining a good hygiene environment. HEPA filters help trap dust mites and other allergens. Different dust mite allergy treatment options are available to reduce symptoms, including over-the-counter medications, allergy shots, and sublingual therapy.

Key Takeaway From iCliniq

Dust mites and small, tiny creatures indeed create bigger problems for humans. These dust mites cause allergies in humans. But there is no need to worry, as many preventive measures and various treatment options are available to treat dust mite allergies.