How to Live With Allergies to Dust Mites

By eHow Health Editor

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Despite dust mites' microscopic size, they can be a significant cause of your allergic reactions. They thrive in moist, warm environments, on a diet of human skin flakes - which are especially abundant in your bedding. The following steps will help you get rid of dust mites in your home and breathe a little easier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

  • Air Filters
  • Flitered Vacuums
  • Allergy Free Matress Covers
  • Allergy-free Bedding
  • Latex Mattresses
  • Bioflavonoid Complex
  • Bromelain
  • Coenzyme Q10
  • Echinacea
  • Quercetin
  • Vitamin C

Step1
Encase mattresses, box springs and pillows in plastic covers. Special covers are now sold for this purpose, but any plastic cover will do as long as it is airtight.
Step2
Buy a natural latex mattress. Natural latex is completely resistant to dust mites, as well as being very good for your back.
Step3
Remove clutter such as books and magazines from rooms - these are prime dust targets.
Step4
Wash bedding in hot water. It will kill all dust mites. Cold water will only remove about 90 percent of them. Change bedding once a week.
Step5
Dry clean drapes and other nonwashable items - this will get rid of dust mites.
Step6
Use superheated steam to clean carpets, which are great sources of dust mites. If possible, remove carpeting completely, especially in bedrooms.
Step7
Vacuum often - at least every week - including carpets and upholstery. Use a vacuum with a high-efficiency filter.
Step8
Spray carpets every two months with a 3 percent tannic acid solution. It may help keep dust mites at a minimum.
Step9
Use polyurethane covers over the matting on your furniture, especially if you plan to be away for an extended time.
Step10
Keep it cool - leave the air conditioner running when it is hot and humid out. Dust mites thrive in heat and humidity.
Step11
Wipe and mop exposed surfaces regularly. Pay attention to dust collectors such as air conditioning vents and ceiling fans.
Step12
Take allergy medication as prescribed to help keep symptoms under control.
Step13
Add 1,000 to 5,000 mg of vitamin C plus bioflavonoid complex to your diet daily in divided doses, plus 500mg of quercetin twice daily. These both help to minimize allergy symptoms and boost the immune system.
Step14
Take 100mg bromelain twice daily. It enhances quercetin absorption.
Step15
Add herbs burdock, dandelion and echinacea to your diet. Take as a tincture or in capsules, or drink as a tea. These herbs help relieve allergy symptoms.
Step16
Supplement with coenzyme Q10. Take 100mg daily. It helps the immune system, and research is under way to determine whether it helps relieve allergy and asthma symptoms.
Step17
Use stinging nettle and mullein leaf to help relieve allergic reactions. They are good for respiratory reactions. Take as capsules, tea or tincture.

Tips & Warnings

  • It is impossible to get rid of dust mites completely; you can only minimize their presence. After trying some of the above steps, evaluate how you're feeling. If symptoms are still there, you may need to take more aggressive steps - or you may have other allergies that need to be evaluated.

Comments

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on 3/31/2008 Central vacuum systems are the only way to guarantee that nothing is exhausted into your home because the dirt collector is located away from your living area. For do-it-yourselfers they cost no more than a high end HEPA vacuum. Try http://vachelp.com for more info

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Dust mites can be eliminated by the introduction of an EcoQuest Living Air system in the home. Also adding Living Systems Breathable Bedding Covers and cleaning with ecoH Household Cleaner will help.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I didn't invent this one, but it is worth sharing. Put your pillows in big plastic garbage bags and put them in the freezer for at least two hours. Dust mites hate this.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 After a serious sinusitis attack I changed my diet. No more tomatoes, onions, citrus fruits, caffeine, alcohol, mints, or chocolate. No fatty foods and eat at least three hours before bedtime. I tried it for a month and the results were miraculous.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Use a HEPA vac for dusting. Always wear a mask, stored in an airtight container to avoid contamination, and make someone else dust! Run an air cleaner bedside and once a week for a few hours in your car. A cool-mist humidifier also seems to be helpful.

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eHow Article:  How to Live With Allergies to Dust Mites

eHow Health Editor

eHow Health Editor

Category: Health

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