Dust mite allergy: symptoms, causes, treatment, etc.

Definition

What is a dust mite allergy?

Mite allergies are allergic reactions caused by mites that live in household dust. In people who suffer from allergies, these insects can trigger symptoms similar to allergic rhinitis such as sneezing, runny nose and congestion, to asthma attacks.

Dust mites are insects that are found in dusty corners of the house. These insects which are related to ticks like to breed in humid and warm places such as carpets, curtains and mattresses that you use daily.

Despite their small size, the health impact of dust mites is enormous. These insects live in every corner of the house and are very difficult to kill. Not infrequently, sufferers of mite allergies need extra efforts to get rid of them completely.

Due to the large number of allergies, mites are one of the most common types of allergies. Many allergic sufferers often don't even realize that sneezing and other symptoms they experience are the result of dust mites.

If left untreated, mite allergies can worsen respiratory system problems, especially in people with asthma and sinus inflammation. However, you can relieve allergy symptoms and prevent them from recurring by natural means or treatment from a doctor.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms?

When you experience an allergic reaction, the immune system releases various cells and chemicals that cause inflammation in certain parts of the body. In the case of mite allergy, inflammation occurs in the nasal passages causing symptoms in the form of:

• sneeze,
• congestion and / or runny nose,
• itching of the nose, roof of the mouth, or throat,
• itchy, red, or watery eyes,
• cough,
• there is mucus in the back of the throat,
• facial tenderness, as well
• appear bluish puffiness under the eyes.

If you have asthma, exposure to dust mites from the environment can also cause reactions such as:

• hard to breathe,
• chest tightness or pain,
• breath sounds loud (wheezing), especially when exhaling,
• difficulty sleeping due to shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, as well
• a cough or wheezing that gets worse when you have a cold.

You may also experience other features such as itching and rashes because the mites can bite human skin. Mite bites can harden or become inflamed, but this is usually not a cause for concern and will go away on its own.

Like other types of allergies, allergic reactions to mites can vary from mild to severe. Mild allergic reactions include a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes that closely resemble the symptoms of a cold.

Meanwhile, mite allergies that are left alone can become chronic, causing prolonged sneezing, coughing, and congestion. In severe cases, allergens can even lead to asthma attacks.

When should you go to the doctor?

Common allergic reactions may be difficult to distinguish from cold symptoms and can go away on their own. However, don't ignore symptoms that last for more than a week as this may indicate that you have an allergy.

You also need to see a doctor if the allergy symptoms are severe, for example, making you short of breath or having trouble sleeping. Call the emergency room immediately if the symptoms worsen rapidly.

Cause

What causes allergies to dust mites?

Allergies are the immune system's response to foreign substances that are actually harmless. Foreign substances that trigger allergies are called allergens, and they vary widely. Dust mites are one of the many allergens in the home.

Even a clean house is often not free from mites. These insects usually live on mattresses, pillows, carpets, and upholstered furniture that trap moisture. It is an environment like this that supports the growth of dust mites.

The real allergen is not the mites themselves, but the protein in the faeces and dead body debris of the mites. You may inhale it unconsciously and once inside your body your immune system perceives it as a threat.

The protein in mite feces and debris is actually harmless to the body. However, your immune system actually releases antibodies, immune cells, and chemicals on a large scale to fight these foreign substances.

As a result, there is inflammation of the respiratory tract. You may also experience sneezing, congestion or runny nose, and itching on your face and nose at the same time.

Allergy symptoms will continue to get worse as long as you inhale these mite waste substances. In rare cases, these symptoms can even develop into a severe reaction called anaphylactic shock.

Risk factors

Who is more at risk of developing a dust mite allergy?

Dust mite allergy is fairly common, but actually not many people are really sensitive to protein in the feces and bodies of mites. Here are a number of factors that can increase the risk:

• There is a family history of allergies. Allergies can be passed down from parents, and the chances are higher if several family members have this condition.
• Frequently exposed to dust mites. Exposure to large amounts of dust mites, especially during childhood, can increase the risk of allergies.
• Still a child or young adult. Both these age groups are more susceptible to allergies.

Diagnosis

How is a dust mite allergy diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose a mite allergy by studying the symptoms you are experiencing. You may need to answer a number of questions and record the symptoms that appear over a period of time.

After that, doctors usually continue with allergy tests. The types of tests used include:

1. Skin prick test

The skin prick test aims to determine the type of substance that causes an allergic reaction. To do this, the doctor will prepare a solution of various types of allergens, then inject it into the outer layer of the skin of your arm or upper back.

The doctor then observes the reactions that occur for 15 minutes. If you are allergic to mites, the area of ​​the skin that is injected will look red and a little itchy. This reaction is harmless and usually goes away within 30 minutes.

2. Blood test

Allergy blood tests are performed if the patient has skin problems or has to take medications that can affect the test results. This test is also effective in recognizing certain antibodies, because each type of allergy is characterized by its own antibody.

The doctor will take a sample of your blood and send it to a laboratory for examination. This is where the doctor can see what types of antibodies are in your blood, including antibodies that indicate a dust mite allergy.

Medicine and medication

How to treat dust mite allergies?

The best way to deal with mite allergies is to reduce the population of mites at home. Make sure you regularly clean sheets, upholstered furniture, carpets, and similar furniture so that the mites don't survive.

When available, use humidifier to regulate the humidity in the house. Air that is too dry makes dust worse, while air that is too humid promotes the growth of mites and mold. Adjust it so that the humidity does not exceed 50 percent.

If eliminating the mite population isn't enough, you may need medication for allergic rhinitis or other medications. However, you should consult a doctor because allergy medications can trigger reactions in some people.

Common treatments given to treat mite allergies include:

1. Antihistamines

Allergic reactions come from the release of a chemical called histamine. Antihistamine drugs work by inhibiting the function of histamine so that allergy symptoms can be reduced. This drug is suitable for treating allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and a runny nose.

Over-the-counter antihistamines (fexofenadine, cetirizine, loratadine) are available in tablet and syrup form for children. Meanwhile, antihistamines in the form of nasal sprays (azelastine, olopatadine) usually require a doctor's prescription.

2. Decongestants

Decongestants work by deflating the swollen inside of your nose so that you can breathe freely again. However, this medication does not reduce symptoms such as itching, congestion, or sneezing due to dust mites.

Decongestants are generally available as nasal sprays. This medication works quickly, but you should not use it for more than three days in a row because it can worsen allergy symptoms.

3. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroid drugs work by relieving inflammation and common symptoms of dust mite allergy. Corticosteroids are available in the form of oral medicines and nasal sprays, which can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies or by prescription.

Among other types of drugs, corticosteroids can be said to be the most effective because they can reduce various symptoms at once. However, the effect of this drug may not be as fast as antihistamines or decongestants.

4. Leukotriene inhibitors

Leukotriene inhibitors works by blocking a chemical called leukotriene. Like histamine, leukotriene also plays a role in causing allergic reactions. This drug is available in tablet form which must be consumed by prescription.

5. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a therapy to train the immune system to be less sensitive to an allergen. Therapy is carried out by injecting allergens in small doses into patients 1-2 times a week for 3-5 years.

An allergist will observe the patient's reactions during therapy. After the completion of therapy, the patient's symptoms usually improve and may even disappear completely.

Prevention

How to prevent dust mite allergy?

Dust mite allergies may not be prevented. Even so, you can reduce the risk of an allergy recurrence in the following ways.

• Routinely clean the furniture with vacuum cleaner , as well as the surface of the furniture with a damp cloth.
• Wash and replace carpets, sheets, pillowcases, curtains, and the like regularly.
• Tidy up any items that have been piling up for a long time.
• Use a mask every time you clean the house.
• Use humidifier to keep the air moist.

Dust mites are one of the most common allergens. Once inhaled, the waste products from these insects can cause symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and shortness of breath.

You can control allergies caused by mites by keeping your home clean from dust. If this isn't enough, try to talk to your doctor to find medications and treatments that can help you.