Dust Mite Allergy Symptoms

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Even the cleanest of houses can have Dust mites. Dust Mites are microscopic creatures related to ticks and spiders and feed off dead human skins scales. Dust Mites live in specks of dust and thrive in warm,humid environments. They cannot survive in dry or hot climates or at high altitudes.

Dust Mites colonize everyday items-stuffed toys, upholstery, carpets, and mattresses. Live dust mites do not normally trigger allergic or asthmatic reactions, because they are able to cling to surfaces and are able to avoid inhalation.

Dead Dust Mites and their excrement are the main sensitizing culprits. Dust mites are small microscopic tick-like creatures. It looks like an insect and is related to the spider arachnida family.

They are a parasite found in human habitats and feed primarily on the scales of the human flesh. Dust mite allergy is a reaction to a certain dust mite protein, resulting in the swelling of the nasal lining. This reaction then causes the individual to sneeze, cough, and even develop hay fever-like symptoms. The fecal pellet/frass of the dust mite is what causes dust mite allergies. BRAR7J Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) of a Dust Mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), magnification x 700 The pellet contains proteins, which cause the allergic reaction. These mites love to hang around where people spend a lot of time, for example in furniture, bed sheets, stuffed toys, pillow cases and carpets. Dust mites are also found in temperatures of between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit. High humidity is also conducive environment for the rapidly reproducing dust mites.

House Dust mite allergyThey depend on  atmospheric pressure to survive. Symptoms of dust mite allergy include itchy watery eyes, asthma, hay fever, runny nose, sneezing, eczema and many others.

They depend on  atmospheric pressure to survive. These symptoms always show signs of improvement when the individual leaves the house. Like other allergies, one should not be hasty in self diagnosis. It is best to consult a doctor first to know what the allergy is, before diagnosis. Testing can be done by sending a dust sample to the lab for analysis and detection of the mites. Taking the initiative to control the indoor environment is a step toward controlling dust mites, and hence exposure to the allergen.

Vacuming Dust Mites
Vacuuming regularly kills the mites

There are more dust mites found the bedrooms and beds of sexually active individuals than in any other part of the house. This is because the mites thrive in dries semen found in the bed. It is therefore important to keep the bedroom clean, and to change the bed sheets as regularly as possible, change pillow cases and avoid pillows that have feathers. Dust mite needs moisture and warmth to thrive, and a high temperature kills them. This information can be used to control the mites in the households. Vacuuming regularly kills the mites. Bed sheets and pillow cases should be washed in high temperatures to kill the mites.

Blankets and carpets should be left in direct sunlight, because the sun helps reduce the mites. It should however be noted that vacuuming and direct sunlight do not remove the allergen. This means that the mites may be gone, but there is still a chance for an allergic reaction to occur. Treatment for the allergy is dependent on the symptom exhibited. Anti histamines can be used to treat hay fever symptoms. Nasal sprays and eye drops can also be used. Immunotherapy can be used to treat the allergy, but prevention is always the best cure. It is also important to seek medical advice.

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