Dust mites are microscopic creatures that are practically invisible to the naked eye, but they can have a significant impact on human health. Continuous exposure to dust mites in the home can affect the health of people with asthma and those who are allergic or sensitive to them. Allergens from dust mites can cause mild to severe allergic symptoms and may be responsible for asthma attacks. Signs of dust mite allergy include those common to hay fever, such as sneezing and runny noses, as well as wheezing and difficulty breathing.
In severe cases, the condition may be ongoing (chronic) and cause persistent sneezing, coughing, congestion, facial pressure, an outbreak of eczema, or a severe asthma attack. Approximately 20 million Americans have dust mite allergies. Upholstered furniture, pillows, and mattresses tend to harbor more dust mites than carpets. To reduce exposure to dust mites, it is important to keep the home well-ventilated and dry. Cover bed linen, pillows and mattresses with hypoallergenic covers against dust mites to prevent the spread of allergens to the skin and respiratory tract during sleep.
Vacuuming may be less effective for controlling various food mites, straw mites, and dust mites, but it is still useful for removing pollen, dust mites, and other allergens from floors, carpets, and furniture. If you've tried over-the-counter medications and you still have symptoms of dust mite allergy, it might be time to look for a long-term solution such as immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a form of treatment that helps your body build up a tolerance to allergens like dust mites. It involves exposing your body to small amounts of the allergen over time so that your body can become accustomed to it. This can help reduce your symptoms and make them less severe. Dust mites are considered one of the most common triggers for allergies and asthma.
If you are allergic to dust mites, you may have red, itchy skin rashes when exposed to them. While mites rarely transmit diseases to humans in the United States, they definitely have an impact on health in ways that range from simply being a nuisance when they enter homes in large numbers to causing serious skin irritation that can cause severe itching. Regular vacuuming and mopping can help keep clover mites outdoors along with the rats, mice, birds, and mites that these pests bring when allowed to nest in structures. In conclusion, dust mites can have a significant impact on human health. People with asthma or allergies should take steps to reduce their exposure to dust mites by keeping their homes well-ventilated and dry.
Hypoallergenic covers on bedding can also help reduce exposure. If over-the-counter medications don't work for you, immunotherapy may be an option worth considering.
