How to Treat Dust Allergies

Dust allergies are a common problem even in the cleanest of homes. House dust contains a variety of substances which can cause symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, and more serious conditions such as wheezing and shortness of breath. People with asthma are more likely to experience serious symptoms.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Know What Causes Dust Allergies

1. Realize that house dust contains a mixture of substances that vary from one house to another.
2. Know a speck of dust may contain human skin particles, mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, fabric fibers and microscopic creatures. House dust mites and pet dander are the most common offenders for allergy sufferers.
3. Understand that dust mites are tiny microscopic creatures in the same family as ticks, chiggers and spiders. They thrive in warm temperatures above 70 degrees F and humidity between 75 and 80 percent.
4. Realize that people who are allergic to dust mites have a reaction to the proteins contained the the feces and bodies of the mites. One gram of dust can contain as many as 19,000 dust mites.
5. Take into account that household dust can contain mold spores. Mold can be growing out of sight in walls or fabrics.

Find Ways to Treat Dust Allergies

6. Know that dust mites live in pillows and mattresses. Using dust mite barrier pillow cases and mattress covers reduces or eliminates the contact with the mites. These protective covers can be found at most department stores and super centers such as Target (see Resources below).
7. Remove mold spores from the house. Identify the source and treat with appropriate chemicals to kill the mold. It may be necessary to repaint or replace walls that have become infected with mold.
8. Remove all carpet from the home if possible. If not, use a vacuum cleaner that is specifically designed to trap the dust instead of recirculating it into the air.
9. Dust all surfaces regularly and thoroughly. Replace any items that are natural dust collectors with items that are easy to keep clean.
10. Talk to an allergy specialist about the best way to treat your symptoms. Medication may be required to treat initial or acute symptoms while making the necessary environmental changes.

Tips & Warnings

• Some chemicals that are specifically designed to remove the mite allergens may be irritating to the lungs. Use products only if no other means of removing or controlling dust mites is effective.

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