Dust allergy: medications, symptoms, ways to prevent, etc. & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is a dust allergy?

Dust allergy is one of the most common types of allergic rhinitis. This condition occurs because the immune system overreacts to foreign substances in the dust.

Dust is formed from a collection of dead skin cells, feces, animal hair, and various foreign substances that can trigger allergies in some people. Any substance that has the potential to cause an allergic reaction is called an allergen.

When you inhale dust containing allergens, the immune system will perceive it as something dangerous. The immune system also responds by releasing compounds that cause an allergic reaction.

A dust allergy causes a variety of symptoms in the respiratory system. Although it cannot be completely cured, you can prevent and control the symptoms through lifestyle changes and taking allergic rhinitis medications as recommended by your doctor.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of a dust allergy?

Dust allergy generally causes symptoms on the respiratory tract, face, and skin. Here are the characteristics of a dust allergy that most often arise:

• sneeze,
• stuffy or runny nose,
• red, itchy, watery eyes,
• there is mucus in the throat,
• coughs,
• itching of the skin, as well
• a rash appears on the skin.

If you have asthma, allergens to dust can also cause problems such as:

• hard to breathe,
• chest feeling heavy or painful,
• the breath becomes shallow and sounds (wheezing), as well
• difficulty sleeping due to constant shortness of breath, coughing, or sneezing.

Allergic reactions usually appear shortly after the sufferer is exposed to the trigger. Symptoms can get worse, especially after cleaning activities such as sweeping or wiping furniture.

This is because the cleaning process can blow a lot of dust particles into the air. The dust particles flying in the air eventually enter the respiratory system more easily or stick to the skin.

When do you need to see a doctor?

Most of the symptoms that sufferers complain of dust allergies are similar to asthma. You may also experience sneezing and allergy symptoms similar to the common cold. Therefore, the two are sometimes difficult to distinguish.

If you often experience symptoms of a dust allergy, especially if you are accompanied by a cough or stuffy nose, you may have an allergy. Gradually, you may also experience asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath or wheezing.

Many allergy sufferers eventually get used to sneezing and problems with their nose. In fact, the symptoms of a dust allergy should not be ignored because they can get worse over time. There is also a risk of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock.

Immediately consult a doctor if you feel sensitive to dust. Allergy specialists can perform allergy tests to determine if the symptoms are due to exposure to the allergen in the dust.

Cause

What causes a dust allergy?

Allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly thinks dust is a foreign substance that is harmful to the body. The immune system then reacts by producing antibodies to fight these foreign substances.

Antibodies are special proteins formed by the immune system to fight germs and substances that can cause damage in the body. However, when the immune system overreacts, this protein actually causes allergic rhinitis.

Apart from antibodies, the immune system also releases histamine and other chemical compounds that trigger inflammatory reactions. As a result, the body experiences allergy symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, rashes, and shortness of breath.

Dust allergy triggers

What substances in dust trigger an allergic reaction?

Dust allergies are not just triggered by the dust grains themselves. Please note, in the dust there may be insects, animal hair, fungi, and pollen. The following are various substances that are thought to trigger allergy symptoms.

1. Dust mites

Mites are small insects that are one of the main triggers for a dust allergy. Allergic reactions arise from inhalation of dust containing mite feces. This stool contains proteins that are considered dangerous by the immune system.

Mites live and breed in warm, humid corners of the house. A house that looks clean does not mean it is free from dust mites because these insects are difficult to clean by cleaning in general.

Meanwhile, mites are rarely found in cold areas. You can reduce the mite population by diligently wiping the furniture and using it humidifier to adjust the humidity of the air to not less than 50 percent.

2. Cockroaches

In some people, allergy symptoms can appear when they are in an environment with lots of cockroaches. This is because dust sometimes contains saliva, urine, and cockroach droppings which are allergens.

Like mites, cockroaches love to live in a warm corner of the house. However, these insects are adaptable so you can find them anywhere. To get rid of cockroach growth, make sure you clean your house regularly.

3. Fungal spores

Invisible mold and flying spores are the most common dust allergy triggers after mites. You can find them in damp areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, household furniture, or in between wardrobes.

Fungi use spore grains to reproduce. These grains are so light and small that they can float in the air. If you have allergies, your immune system will perceive it as a threat and overreact.

4. Pollen

Pollen is a means of reproducing trees, grass, flowers, and several other types of plants. Like spores, pollen is so small that it can be carried away by the wind and accumulated with dust.

When inhaled by sensitive people, the pollen in the dust can trigger an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions may differ depending on the plant that is the source. However, even mild symptoms should not be ignored.

5. Animal hair

Dust sometimes carries animal hair which will trigger an allergic reaction if inhaled. Cat or other animal allergies are usually caused by proteins in dead skin cells, saliva or urine that stick to the fur of the animal.

If you have pets at home, make sure you clean them regularly. Don't release animals into the bedroom. Separate the animal in a separate cage or room so that the fur doesn't stick everywhere.

Risk factors

Who is more at risk of getting a dust allergy?

Anyone can get a dust allergy. However, there are several factors that make you more at risk. The following include:

• Your family has a history of allergy to dust, asthma, or other types of allergies.
• You have asthma or other types of allergies.
• Still a kid.
• Rarely exposed to dust since childhood.
• Your immune system is weak.

Diagnosis

How is a dust allergy diagnosed?

Doctors usually diagnose a dust allergy by asking about symptoms, doing a physical examination, and performing allergy tests that are necessary. First of all, the doctor will study your condition by asking the following:

• What signs and symptoms are you experiencing?
• Do you have a family history of allergies?
• Do you keep a diary of allergy symptoms and triggers?

If you suspect you have a dust allergy, the doctor will continue the examination with the following tests:

1. Skin prick test (skin prick test)

The doctor or nurse will drop an allergen on your skin. After that, the doctor will prick your skin with a needle and watch for symptoms. If you have bumps or itching, you probably have an allergy.

2.Skin patch test (patch test)

In certain cases, the doctor may choose patch test by applying a patch-shaped allergen to the skin. The patch of skin where the patch is on should not sweat or come into contact with water. After two days, the doctor will see the symptoms appear on the skin.

3. Blood test

A diagnosis of a dust allergy can also be made through a blood test. The trick, the doctor will take a sample of your blood and take it to the laboratory. This examination aims to detect Immunoglobulin E antibodies that trigger an allergic reaction.

Medicine and medication

What are the treatment options available?

Like allergy treatment in general, dust allergy can also be treated naturally and medically. Natural remedies include a healthy lifestyle and efforts to reduce allergens in the home.

If natural methods are not working enough, you can consult a doctor to get the appropriate treatment. Depending on your allergic condition, you may need to take medication or undergo allergy shots (immunotherapy).

Keep in mind that allergy medications can also cause allergies. Therefore, you need to consult a doctor before starting any form of allergy treatment.

The following types of treatment are available:

1. Antihistamines

Antihistamines are the first drugs a doctor will prescribe for the treatment of allergies. This drug works by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical that plays a role in causing various allergy symptoms when the body is exposed to allergens.

Antihistamines come in the form of tablets, eye drops and nasal sprays. You can buy it with or without a doctor's prescription. Always follow the recommended use, considering that this drug has side effects in the form of strong drowsiness.

2. Decongestants

Decongestants work by shrinking the swollen blood vessels in the nose as a result of an allergic reaction. Thanks to these benefits, decongestants are very effective in relieving symptoms of a stuffy and runny nose.

However, decongestants cannot be relied on to relieve other symptoms. You may need to take a combination allergy medication to relieve some of the symptoms of a dust allergy at once. Consult with your doctor to get the right combination of drugs.

3. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids can treat inflammation caused by dust allergies. This medication also helps relieve nasal congestion, sneezing, and other cold-like symptoms. Corticosteroids come in pill form, nasal sprays or rinses, and topical creams.

Unlike other drugs, corticosteroids must be used on a doctor's prescription. The reason is, the use of corticosteroids carelessly can cause side effects such as skin redness, changes mood drastically, to hormonal disturbances.

4. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is not a patented drug that can cure dust allergies. However, this therapy aims to "train" the immune system so that it is less sensitive to dust. Immunotherapy is usually chosen when other treatments have not worked.

Immunotherapy for allergies is divided into two types, namely:

• Subcutaneous allergy therapy (SCIT). The doctor injects the allergen into the skin, then observes the reaction. Therapy is carried out 1-2 times a week for 6 months to several years.
• Sublingual allergy therapy (SLIT). The doctor drops the allergen under the tongue, then observes the reaction. Therapy is carried out for 3-5 years.

After a certain period of time, the allergic reaction that was severe can diminish. The symptoms you experience may even disappear completely. This is a sign that your immune system is more tolerant of dust exposure.

5. Epinephrine injection

Epinephrine is an injection that will be given to people with a history of severe allergies or anaphylaxis. This drug must be injected immediately if there are symptoms of fainting, low blood pressure, and also shortness of breath because the effects are life-threatening.

Prevention

How can you prevent a dust allergy from coming back?

You can't completely get rid of dust in the house. Vacuum cleaner or vacuum cleaner often it is not effective enough to remove mites, spores, or other debris that has accumulated with dust.

However, there are various ways you can do to reduce the amount of dust in your home. If the amount of dust decreases, the chances of an allergy recurrence will certainly decrease. Here are tips that you can apply everyday.

• Routinely wash sheets, blankets, pillowcases, curtains, tablecloths, and other fabric furniture once a week using hot water.
• Change carpet, curtains, or household tablecloths every two weeks.
• Clean hard furniture such as tables and displays such as souvenirs and vases with a damp cloth. A wet cloth can prevent dust from flying in the air.
• Using a HEPA filter to filter out allergens with fine particles such as mites. Change the filter every three months to keep the appliance functioning properly.
• Do not use fluffy carpets, rugs, and so on.
• Keep pets out of the bedroom and put in a cage outside the house.
• Use humidifier to keep humidity in the room.

Dust allergies are one of the most common and difficult to avoid health problems. The reason is, you cannot completely remove the dust in the house. This is certainly a problem for people who are sensitive to dust.

However, you can prevent recurrence of allergies by reducing the amount of dust in your home. If this method does not work to treat allergies, discuss it with your doctor to get the appropriate treatment.