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I have a dust mite allergy. Is allergen immunotherapy safe?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 28 and suffer from year-round sneezing, nose blockage, and watery eyes. My IgE level is 380 IU/mL, and the allergy test showed dust mite sensitivity.

I am using Fexofenadine and a nasal spray, but symptoms keep coming back. My concerns are:

  1. Would immunotherapy or allergy shots help reduce this permanently?

  2. How long does such treatment usually take to show improvement?

  3. Also, are air purifiers really useful for people with allergic rhinitis, or just a marketing gimmick?

  4. My nose stays congested at night. Could it be a deviated septum adding to the problem, and should I consider an ENT evaluation for surgical correction if needed?

Kindly suggest.
Answered by Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja

Education:

MD RESPIRATORY MEDICINE

Professional Bio:

I am Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja, a dedicated Chest Physician and Senior Resident in Pulmonary Medicine at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Wardha, with extensive training in the management of complex respiratory and critical care conditions. I completed my M.B.B.S. from Universal College of Medical Sciences, Tribhuvan University (2016) and M.D. in Respiratory Medicine from Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai (2025), where I gained hands-on expertise in managing ICU patients, performing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and conducting research in pulmonary diseases. My areas of expertise include: Management of asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, and interstitial lung disease Critical care management (ICU care, mechanical ventilation) Pulmonary function testing (spirometry, DLCO) Interventional procedures (thoracentesis, ICD insertion, bronchoscopy) Sleep medicine and polysomnography Research, academic writing, and clinical presentations I hold certifications in Good Clinical Practice and Biomedical Research. I am a proud member of the National College of Chest Physicians (NCCP). Alongside my pulmonary expertise, I have also completed a CPCDM Fellowship in Diabetes from RSSDI, enabling me to provide holistic care for patients with respiratory diseases complicated by diabetes. Currently, I am also pursuing a Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine, which further enhances my ability to manage critically ill patients with respiratory and systemic illnesses. With multiple research publications, conference presentations (NAPCON, SSIMSCON), and a strong academic background, I strive to combine evidence-based medicine with compassionate patient care. My mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to patients suffering from respiratory and lifestyle-related diseases.

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Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

From what you have described, this is allergic rhinitis, a long-term allergy-related inflammation of the nose. Your raised IgE (immunoglobulin E) level and dust mite sensitivity fit that completely.

The medicines you are using are correct, but they work best when taken regularly and with the right technique. Use your nasal steroid spray every day, not just when you feel blocked.

Point the spray slightly outward toward the ear, not straight up, and do a saline rinse before using it if your nose feels stuffy.

If you are still not comfortable, a combination spray that includes both a steroid and an antihistamine like Fluticasone and Azelastine often works better than a plain one.

Immunotherapy, allergy shots, or tablets are the only treatments that can change the underlying allergy, not just control symptoms.

It is a very good option for dust mite allergy that keeps coming back despite medicines. It does not work overnight; most people start noticing improvement after about three to six months, with steady benefit over the first year.

The treatment usually continues for around three years, and many people remain much better even after completing it.

A good quality HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) purifier can reduce airborne dust and allergens, especially if used in your bedroom with the doors and windows closed.

The bigger difference comes from washing your bedding weekly in hot water, using mite-proof pillow and mattress covers, keeping humidity below 50 %, and removing carpets or soft toys from the bedroom.

Night-time blockage can be due to allergic swelling, but a deviated septum can make it worse. If your nose stays blocked even after using sprays correctly for several weeks, it is worth seeing an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist.

If the nasal septum is badly bent, a small surgery to straighten it can help you breathe more freely, but you would still need to continue allergy care afterward.

I hope you find this helpful.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At January 14, 2026
Reviewed At January 14, 2026

Education:

MD RESPIRATORY MEDICINE

Professional Bio:

I am Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja, a dedicated Chest Physician and Senior Resident in Pulmonary Medicine at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Wardha, with extensive training in the management of complex respiratory and critical care conditions. I completed my M.B.B.S. from Universal College of Medical Sciences, Tribhuvan University (2016) and M.D. in Respiratory Medicine from Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai (2025), where I gained hands-on expertise in managing ICU patients, performing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and conducting research in pulmonary diseases. My areas of expertise include: Management of asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, and interstitial lung disease Critical care management (ICU care, mechanical ventilation) Pulmonary function testing (spirometry, DLCO) Interventional procedures (thoracentesis, ICD insertion, bronchoscopy) Sleep medicine and polysomnography Research, academic writing, and clinical presentations I hold certifications in Good Clinical Practice and Biomedical Research. I am a proud member of the National College of Chest Physicians (NCCP). Alongside my pulmonary expertise, I have also completed a CPCDM Fellowship in Diabetes from RSSDI, enabling me to provide holistic care for patients with respiratory diseases complicated by diabetes. Currently, I am also pursuing a Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine, which further enhances my ability to manage critically ill patients with respiratory and systemic illnesses. With multiple research publications, conference presentations (NAPCON, SSIMSCON), and a strong academic background, I strive to combine evidence-based medicine with compassionate patient care. My mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to patients suffering from respiratory and lifestyle-related diseases.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Dust Mite Immunotherapy Decision Helper

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Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja
Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

Education:

MD RESPIRATORY MEDICINE

Professional Bio:

I am Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja, a dedicated Chest Physician and Senior Resident in Pulmonary Medicine at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Wardha, with extensive training in the management of complex respiratory and critical care conditions. I completed my M.B.B.S. from Universal College of Medical Sciences, Tribhuvan University (2016) and M.D. in Respiratory Medicine from Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai (2025), where I gained hands-on expertise in managing ICU patients, performing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and conducting research in pulmonary diseases. My areas of expertise include: Management of asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, and interstitial lung disease Critical care management (ICU care, mechanical ventilation) Pulmonary function testing (spirometry, DLCO) Interventional procedures (thoracentesis, ICD insertion, bronchoscopy) Sleep medicine and polysomnography Research, academic writing, and clinical presentations I hold certifications in Good Clinical Practice and Biomedical Research. I am a proud member of the National College of Chest Physicians (NCCP). Alongside my pulmonary expertise, I have also completed a CPCDM Fellowship in Diabetes from RSSDI, enabling me to provide holistic care for patients with respiratory diseases complicated by diabetes. Currently, I am also pursuing a Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine, which further enhances my ability to manage critically ill patients with respiratory and systemic illnesses. With multiple research publications, conference presentations (NAPCON, SSIMSCON), and a strong academic background, I strive to combine evidence-based medicine with compassionate patient care. My mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to patients suffering from respiratory and lifestyle-related diseases.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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