Allergy to dust mites

 Allergy to dust mites

Mites, tiny insects that live in dust, exist in most homes. They do not sting, but some people are allergic to them. Read this fact sheet to learn how to remove them from your home.

My 8-year-old daughter Olga had a very cozy bedroom, with wall-to-wall carpets, curtains, and lots of stuffed animals on the bed. But the sneezing and coughing kept her awake much of the night. The doctor * diagnosed her with a dust mite allergy and asked about her bedroom. He also suggested that we buy an anti-allergy mattress and bedding and wash the sheets and blankets every week in hot water and also wash the stuffed animals in hot water every week to keep some of them. A few weeks later Olga's allergy symptoms had improved.

- Allergy to dust mites and Bed Sheets Product

What is a dust mite allergy?

Dust mite debris causes allergy symptoms in people who are allergic to these insects. An allergy occurs when a person reacts to things that do not affect most people, such as pollen and these types of mites. If you come into contact with something you are allergic to (an allergen), you may have symptoms. This is an allergic reaction.

What are the symptoms of a dust mite allergy?

Symptoms are: sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy throat or ears, hives, swollen eyelids, itchy eyes and coughing, wheezing (whistling-like sounds that occur when breathing), and shortness of breath. You can have a single symptom or several.

How is a dust mite allergy diagnosed?

The doctor will ask you questions about the symptoms and what will make the symptoms worse at home. He may also recommend that you see an allergy expert (an allergist) for skin tests or a blood test. In these tests the doctor introduces a small amount of possible allergens into the skin through a puncture or scratch. If you are sensitive to an allergen, a small red bump appears on your skin.

How is a dust mite allergy treated?

• Take steps to prevent or eliminate dust. See "How can I get rid of dust mites in my home?" in this fact sheet.
• Take medicine to relieve symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, or eye drops.
• Get vaccinated against allergies, if your doctor recommends it. Some people need them when they cannot avoid an allergen. Vaccines contain a small amount (gradually increasing) of the allergen to which you are sensitive. Over time, the body gets used to the allergen and no longer reacts to it.

* The words “doctor” or “female doctor” are used in this fact sheet, but can refer to anyone who provides medical care, such as a nurse or medical assistant.

Where are dust mites common?

Dust mites are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. They live in warm places with high humidity levels and in things made of fabric, for example:

• mattresses and pillows
• Upholstered furniture
• carpets and rugs
• curtains
• stuffed toys

Did you know? More dust mites live in your bedroom than in any other part of your home.

How can I remove dust mites from my home?

It is impossible to eliminate all dust mites, but there are steps you can take to reduce the amount in your home.

• Remove and protect things that collect dust
• If possible, remove rugs and rugs. Dust mites do not live on vinyl or wood surfaces.
• Limit the amount of upholstered furniture, curtains, and stuffed toys. (Make sure any stuffed toys you keep are washable.)
• Use anti-allergy bedding on pillows and mattresses.
• Avoid dehydrated flowers and other things that collect dust.

Clean everything that collects dust

• Wash bedding (sheets, blankets, bedspreads, duvets, and down comforters) in hot water once a week. Dry it completely.
• If you can't get rid of rugs, use washable rugs and wash them frequently.
• Wash curtains, blinds, and ceiling fans frequently.
• Vacuum furniture and rugs at least once a week.
• Limit the number of animals and other stuffed toys and, if possible, wash them in hot water once a week.

Clean with care

Wear a mask when cleaning the house or find someone who is not allergic to dust mites to do so. Masks are available at many drug stores and hardware stores.

• Use a damp cloth to remove the dust.
• Use a high-efficiency particulate filter (HEPA) vacuum to trap dust mites.

Reduce humidity in the home

Use a dehumidifier and use the air conditioner when the weather is warm so that the humidity inside the home (or at least in the bedroom) does not exceed 50%.

Who should treat my allergy to dust mites?

Your doctor can treat any allergies. If your symptoms do not improve within 3 to 6 months, if they are severe, or you have needed emergency treatment, your doctor will probably recommend an allergy specialist. Allergists are specialists in treating allergies.

Does my insurance cover dust mite allergy treatment?

Most health insurance plans cover allergy treatment. Consult your insurance company:

• Do I need an authorization from my doctor to consult an allergy expert?
• Does my insurance cover patient education or special services or products (like mattress covers and pillows) for allergies?
• Does my insurance company cover a pre-existing problem? This generally means any health problems you had before enrolling in your current health plan.
• What drug and allergy tests does my plan cover?