A housemite or dust mite allergy is a hypersensitivity to the proteins excreted by dust mites. This protein irritated the respiratory passages, leading to problems such as asthma and hay fever, in addition to a dust allergy. It can also increase the impact of atopic dermatitis in people who already suffer from this problem. House mites are found in every home and are microscopic organisms which thrive in hot places and humid homes, where there is plenty of skin cells for them to feast on. It’s for this reason that they tend to live in beds, as there is a large quantity of cells for them to survive on. As we spend a third of our day in bed, we end up inhaling a large amount of these allergens. As previously mentioned, the excretion of the mites is the cause of the problem. This product contains a number of proteins which are inhaled or touch the skin, which leads the body to produce antibodies. These set off a chemical reaction where the body produces copious amounts of histamine, a hormone which results in swelling and irritation of the upper respiratory passages. The result is the same sort of symptoms that we associate with hay fever and asthma – wheezing, rashes and coughing. These allergies are often hereditary.
Dust musts, unlike pollen, are around all year so they lead to a constant allergy – also known as perennial allergic rhinitis. The mites’ excrement dries out and can be catapulted into the air the moment someone sits on a chair, walks over the carpet or shakes the duvet on the bed. As such, people get constant symptoms when they’re in the home. These symptoms include watery or itchy eyes, runny nose or sneezing, difficulties with your breathing and infantile eczema. There are certain triggers which can make your symptoms worse as well, including car fumes, tobacco smoke and other air pollutants. It can be difficult to diagnose this problem as many of the symptoms are akin to those in other conditions as well, however blood tests and skin tests can determine if you have a dust allergy.
It’s advised that you avoid the triggers of this allergy in order to limit your hypersensitivity to dust mites. People suffering with perennial rhinitis, inflamed mucus membrane of the nose, or have a dust mite allergy should try to adapt their homes and lifestyles accordingly to accommodate. For example, having as little furniture as possible in which the mites can live is a good idea – this will reduce the amount of mites living in your home, and as such reduce your symptoms. Likewise, you should keep the home as clean as possible by regularly vacuuming, washing bed linen as often as possible, and cleaning woodwork and walls with a clean damp cloth to pick up any debris. Only aim to use rugs which can be washed once a week, and the same for your cotton sheets or blankets around the home. Don’t use woollen blankets or quilts, as these are easier for mite to bury into and survive for longer. If you have an allergy, you’re predisposed to other inflammatory problems, such as otitis, which is inflammation of the ear. You may also suffer from chronic fatigue and have trouble sleeping, as well as being more prone to asthma. If you think you may have an allergy to dust mites, or other irritants, speak to your GP who can provide you with anti-histamines. These are available over the counter in pharmacies as well, but you should be advised by your GP beforehand in case.