When an individual is said to be allergic to dust, in fact, it is the faeces of the house dust mite which trigger a reaction. House dust mites feed on our dead skin cells. They are present in large quantities in our soft furnishings and love our pillows and teddies! The faeces they produce trigger an allergic reaction for some people.
It can also be associated with an increase in upper respiratory tract infections (coughs and colds) and ear infections. Patients affected may have poor quality sleep and struggle with fatigue and poor concentration.
House dust mite allergy can be confirmed on a skin prick test or Specific IgE blood test.
If you think you might have a house dust mite allergy, book an appointment with to Dr Helen Allergy today.
Dust mites are microscopic creatures that thrive in warm, humid environments. They primarily feed on dead human skin flakes, which are abundant in our homes, especially in our beds, carpets, and upholstered furniture. For many in the UK and worldwide, exposure to dust mites can lead to allergies.
If you believe you have a dust mite allergy, it’s essential to consult with a GP or an allergist. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend treatments, such as antihistamines, to help manage symptoms.
Moreover, reducing the number of dust mites in your home by regular cleaning, using allergen-proof bed covers, and maintaining a dry environment can be beneficial.
Remember, each individual’s response to allergens can differ. If you suspect you have an allergy, it’s crucial to seek medical advice and not rely solely on self-diagnosis.
For any allergy questions or issues that you may have, contact us as soon as you can so you can get the correct diagnosis and treatment
One of the most important ways of managing house dust mite allergy is to minimise exposure to the allergen (house dust mite).
Many patients with this allergy notice a great improvement in their symptoms when they travel abroad to hot countries and this is due to the fact that house dust mite do not survive well in hot (or very cold) temperatures.
There are many measures which can be taken at home. Anti-allergy bedding and mattress covers can be helpful, as can hoovering mattresses and dusting with a damp cloth.
If a child has millions of teddies in their room, it is sensible to remove these and just choose a favourite.
Bedding should be washed at 60-degree temperatures to kill the house dust mite and some individuals choose to invest in wood or laminate flooring, rather than carpets.
If avoidance measures alone are insufficient to manage someone’s symptoms, there are several medications which may be used such as;
Sadly, for most individuals with a house dust mite allergy, their allergy is likely to persist through adulthood.
For those with severe symptoms or those hoping to change the course of their allergy, immunotherapy may be an option. There is also evidence that house dust mite immunotherapy given to children can prevent them from developing asthma in later life.
Immunotherapy is a process through which the body is exposed to a small amount of house dust mite to ‘desensitise’ an individual with this allergy. We offer immunotherapy to house dust mite (and other allergens such as food, pollen and animals) at Dr Helen Allergy. Please get in touch to discuss this life changing treatment.
For any allergy questions or issues that you may have, contact us as soon as you can so you can get the correct diagnosis and treatment
Reaction to proteins from dust mites in bedding, carpets, etc.
Runny nose, sneezing, congestion, asthma worsening.
Skin prick or specific IgE blood tests.
Use allergen-proof covers, wash bedding in hot water, reduce carpets.
Yes — for persistent symptoms not resolved by avoidance and meds.
