Dust mites are a microscopic insect from the arachnid family. This family also includes spiders, scorpions and ticks. This little critter commonly lives in mattresses, pillows and dark corners. It is there that they attack, grow, eat, mate and lay eggs. They are sometimes referred to as an unwanted guest in human habitation because they are never invited in. They live off of the dead skin cells our body sheds and we inhale their droppings which is what causes allergic reactions.
Dust mites are the most common cause of perennial allergic rhinitis, or allergies which occur year-round. The reaction individuals have is to the proteins which trigger inflammation in the lining of the nasal passages. This causes sneezing, runny nose and other signs and symptoms associated with hay fever.
For a few people this allergy is the primary cause of the inflammation in the airways which can trigger asthma and results in wheezing, shortness of breath and other breathing difficulties. Other symptoms that dust mites can trigger include itchy and red eyes, itchy nose, itchy roof of the mouth or throat, post nasal drip, facial pressure or pain, swollen skin under the eyes and frequent awakening at night.
This particular allergy can range from the very mild to the very severe. Mild symptoms will include an occasional runny nose and sneezing while those who experience severe cases will have persistent sneezing, coughing, congestion, facial pressure or a severe asthmatic attack. Sometimes it is difficult to know if you are suffering from an allergic response to a particular allergen or just a cold. If allergy symptoms persist for more than 14 days it is time to see your physician and rule out other possibilities before deciding it is an allergy to dust mites.
Always seek emergency care if you have wheezing or shortness of breath or if your symptoms are rapidly worsening. Never self treat at home.
Household dust actually contains a number of different tiny particles and a large portion of it is made up of human skin cells that we constantly shed as our skin turns over. The dust also contains the feces and decaying bodies of dust mites and it is this protein material that is the cause of the allergic reactions.
Most people do not create antibodies to dust mites but only generate them to protect against bacteria, viruses or other toxic substances. Individuals who have this allergy find that their body produces an antibody to proteins found in dust mite debris. Once the body has developed this antibody the immune system becomes very sensitive and responds by producing an inflammatory response when exposed.
This allergen can produce two different types of responses. The first will prompt an inflammation in the airway passages which is often caused by regular exposure and can cause chronic inflammation associated with asthma. It can also cause a sudden and severe construction known as a bronchospasm which requires immediate medical attention.
Dust mites are generally harmless and don’t carry diseases. Interestingly a typical mattress can contain tens of thousands of dust mites and nearly 100,000 of them can live in one square yard of carpet. Since the human body releases approximately 10 grams of dead skin a week there is more than enough nutrition for these dust mites to go around. Interestingly, 10% of the weight of a pillow that has been used for two years is the result of decomposed dead dust mites and their droppings.
These little critters are too small to be visible by the naked eye and have translucent bodies. It requires a microscope that magnifies 10 times to be able to correctly identify them. They have eight hairy legs, no wings and no antenna and a mouth part in the front of the body.
The lifespan is approximately 2 to four months. Each adult female can lay between 40 and 80 eggs in her lifetime so it is easy to see how quickly they can multiply in your home.
Individuals who are allergic to dust mites must focus on control because there is no cure and there is no way to totally eradicate them from the home. By reducing their concentration, especially in the bedroom, you can significantly reduce your symptoms. One effective means is to enclose the mattress, top and sides, with a plastic cover. Thoroughly vacuum any pillows and put a polyurethane cover over the entire mattress.
Your bed is the number one place that you are closest to the dust mites for the longest period of time. Wash your sheets, pillows and blankets in very hot water at least every two weeks. Your pillow should be washed every week or have a dust mite proof cover. The water must be at least 130°F and the machine should be put on its hottest setting. If you have fabric that cannot be washed in hot water pop it in a deep freeze for 24 to 48 hours to kill the dust mites.
Dust mites love warm humid conditions. Keep the thermostat in the house below 70° and the humidity below 50%. Dehumidifiers during the summer months will help the air conditioner work even more effectively.
If at all possible remove all carpeting and replace the flooring with something impervious such as wood, tile or linoleum. Remove any cloth draperies or blinds and vacuum the furniture at least once a week. Another measure which may help is to use air purifiers that eliminate house dust mites. Some use ozone that oxidizes the dust mite but their use are just as bad for your health as the dust mites themselves. Instead is one that has a HEPA filtration method.
Your primary care physician can also help recommend over-the-counter medications which will help to decrease the symptoms you are suffering from a dust mite allergy. Between controlling the population in the house, and appropriate medication, most individuals are able to function well. Cleaning the bedroom area and bedding is of special importance when considering long-term control of symptoms.
Resources:
MayoClinic: Dust Mite Allergy
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dust-mites/DS00842
Annals of Asthma Allergy and Immunology: House Dust Allergy
http://www.acaai.org/allergist/allergies/Types/dust-allergy-information/Pages/default.aspx
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Dust Mite Allergy
http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=18&cont=228
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: Indoor Allergens
http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/at-a-glance/indoor-allergens.aspx
University of Nebraska: Managing House Dust Mites
http://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/dustmites311.shtml
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