Dust Allergy Guide

When the immune system malfunctions and causes a hypersensitive reaction to an otherwise benign substance, you are suffering from an allergy. Dust mite allergy symptoms are present in ten percent of the population of the United States. Some ninety percent of asthma sufferers have dust mite allergies. Since the source of the condition lives with you in your house, dust mite allergy can be challenging problem to overcome.

What are the Symptoms of Dust Allergy?

The symptoms of dust allergy are similar to those of hay fever. You will have a runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and will sneeze repeatedly. These symptoms may intensify while you are cleaning the house, especially when changing the bed or vacuuming. In more serious cases those affected will have asthma-like symptoms with wheezing and labored breathing.

What Causes Dust Allergy?

Having a dust allergy does not mean you have a dirty house. Many substances are present in house dust and vary from home to home. A speck of dust may contain fabric fibers, pet dander, bacteria, parts of cockroaches, mold spores, food flecks, particles of human skin, dust mites and other debris. Of all the potential irritants, however, dust mites top the list.

No amount of vacuuming or dusting will remove these microscopic members of the arachnid family from their living places deep within carpets, mattresses, and pillows. As many as 19,000 dust mites may be present in a single gram of dust but 100 to 500 is a more normal number. The good news is that these creatures don't bite, don't spread disease, and don't live on people. They do, however, thrive in the company of people and prefer temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity of 75-80 percent. Dust mites will die when the humidity falls below 40-50 percent.

Sensitive individuals are not, however, exhibiting per house dust mite allergy. Dust mites produce fecal matter - about 10 to 20 particles a day over a 30 day lifespan - that becomes concentrated in bedding, carpeting, and upholstery and becomes airborne during vacuuming. When people with dust mite and allergies sensation inhale those particles they experience allergic symptoms.

Do Dust Mites lead to other Complications?

In that some 60 million Americans suffer from allergy-induced asthma, dust mites can lead to a more serious condition than simple stuffiness or a runny nose. Allergic asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, and chest tightness with obstructed and inflamed airways. Long-term anti-inflammatory medications as well as quick relief bronchial dilator inhalers are required to cope with this condition.

How is Dust Allergy Diagnosed?

If you suspect that you are experiencing problems with dust mites and allergies, consult an allergist. The physician will ask questions about your environment at home and at work and delve into your eating habits and family history, as well as try to ascertain the frequency and severity of your symptoms. Most likely an allergy skin test will be used so that the doctor may observe your body's reaction to the allergen. A small portion of the dust mite allergen will be introduced under your skin via a minor scratch. A subsequent raised red welt indicates a positive result.

Continue to: How are Dust Mite Allergies Treated

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