Allergic Reactions to Dust Mites

Allergic reactions to dust mites occur in sensitized people whose systems can not tolerate the substance when it enters the body through the eyes, nose and mouth. Dust mite allergies trigger uncomfortable conditions such as rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma and skin urticaria, and may produce chronic and persistent symptoms due to high concentrations of mites and ongoing exposure.

Identification

Dust mites are microscopic organisms that infiltrate furnishings, textiles, surfaces, dander and skin. Dust mites thrive in moist environments, with females laying 40 to 80 eggs in a three-month lifespan. Dust mites are hosted and carried by pets, cockroaches, dust, soot, ashes, hair, skin and mold spores, shedding minute fecal matter and skin particles throughout the air. This leads to dust accumulation and poor air quality within a home, causing environmental allergies and respiratory complications in humans and animals.

Effects

Allergic reactions to dust mites cause year-round symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, watery and itchy eyes and wheezing. Coughing is also a symptom that may become pronounced while sleeping, as dust mites tend to overtake bedding, pillows and mattresses due to moisture-harboring fabrics, human skin, hair and secretions that provide food and an ideal habitat for laying and hatching eggs. Allergy symptoms resulting from dust mite inhalation may cause sleeping difficulty, headaches and fatigue due to discomfort and congestion.

Potential

Dust mite allergies cause sinuses to become swollen and inflamed due to histamine releases that promote mucus production in nasal and lung membranes. Watery eyes, post-nasal drip and sputum accompany sinusitis. Allergic sinusitis symptoms of facial pressure, congestion and migraines can develop due to dust mite inhalation and can lead to sinus, ear and lung infections, causing respiratory distress, bleeding in the lungs, tissue damage and blocked airways.

Considerations

Scabies, demodectic and cheyletiella are types of mites carried by animals. Mite infestations result in visible symptoms of pink, red or black discolorations and patches of hair loss on pets, with behavioral symptoms of itching, scratching, biting, and licking of the elbows and paws in response to a mite allergy. Humans may experience symptoms of hives, rashes, allergic rhinitis, asthma and sinusitis while in contact with mite-hosting animals. Topical antihistamines are effective in treating both pets and owners with skin-irritating mite allergies. Antibiotics may be required for pets with ongoing symptoms to effectively prevent infectious conditions.

Prevention/Solution

Maintaining indoor humidity levels under 70 percent through the use dehumidifiers, air conditioners and fans can decrease the amount of household dust mites. Regular dusting, vacuuming and cleaning of dog beds, upholstery, linens, clothing and carpets in addition to the replacement of problematic mattresses and pillows can be effective in reducing dust mite allergies. Hypoallergenic mattress and pillow protectors can be purchased to rid bedding of mites. Allergic reactions to dust mites can be treated with topical or oral antihistamines, immunizations, steroids, inhalers, decongestants, cough suppressants, vaporizers and air purifiers.

References

• Environment, Health and Safety Online
• American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology