Oftentimes we get allergies just by staying at home. This is caused by the presence of dust mites or bed mites. These are eight-legged creatures that thrive and multiply in places that are warm and humid. Dust mites prefer temperatures that have relative humidity of 75% to 80% and will die once the humidity falls down to 40% to 50%. This means that dust mites are not found in places with dry climates.
People with dust mite allergy react to the proteins in the bodies and feces of the mites. The dust particles can be found in the mattresses, pillows, upholstery of the furniture and carpeting. The dust particles will float in the air whenever somebody vacuums the carpet walks in the carpet or when the bedding is disturbed. They will settle in the air once the disturbance is over. Exposure to high level of dust mite is a trigger in the development of asthma in most children.
The symptoms of the allergy appears whenever the immune system overreacts to the allergens that are harmless like the dust mites, pollens, molds and even food. Once the person has allergy, the immune systems has the tendency to react as if the allergens present in your body are very dangerous. If the allergens come from the air, the allergic reactions will mostly be runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and watery eyes. If the allergens come from the food, it will affect the mouth, stomach and skin. The symptoms of dust mite allergy which also triggers asthma symptoms are coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and tightness of the chest.
If you feel that you are experiencing any of symptoms associated with dust mites, it would be advisable to seek the help of a certified allergist-immunologist. The allergist will ask questions such as the person’s family history, home and work environment and the frequency and the seriousness of the symptoms. There are times that the medical history of the patients is not exactly a trigger but then allergy may be the cause of what you are experiencing. The allergist will give the patient skin tests. After the test, when the skin shows redness and raised welt, it suggest that the patient has allergy. Additionally, a blood test will also be conducted to confirm the allergy that has been diagnosed. Unlike the skin test, blood tests are generally less sensitive when administered.
Basically, dust allergy has three basic treatments. The first treatment is targeted avoidance which literally means that you have to avoid places or elements that triggers the symptoms of the allergy. This will be effective only if the result of the allergy test shows that you are allergic to certain dusts like the dust mites. The second treatment for dust allergy is medications such as antihistamines and decongestants. Antihistamines relieve sneezing, watery eyes and itching. These are available without prescription and can be bought over the counter. Decongestant is given to patients with allergy to help relieve nasal congestion. Topical nasal steroids are also given to cease the allergic reaction. These drugs need the prescription of a doctor. The third dust allergy treatment is by giving allergy shots to the patient.
Dust allergy cures really help alleviate the uncomfortable feeling associated with dust mites however; the most ideal way to control the dust allergies from invading our surroundings is to lessen our exposure to dust. Kill the dust mites and lessen dust, these are the best way to control the allergy. We can always start in our bedroom where we spend most of our time. Be sure that you use a face mask while cleaning. This is the time that you have to make a complete clean up in your bedroom. Wash the beddings using very hot water. This is to kill the dust mites. Never use mattress pads and cover with an airtight, plastic dust-proof cover the pillows, box springs and mattress. Do not use pillows that are made of kapok or feathers instead use the pillows that are made from polyester?
Likewise, you have to clean the other areas of the house such as the floor and surfaces with damp cloth or mop. Ensure that the humidity in your house is above 55%. If you have curtains, wash them every week or you can used window shades instead. Remove stuff toys and other things that easily collects dust from your home. If possible and you are eyeing for a new house, choose the flooring with wood or vinyl flooring instead of floorings with carpet. Carpets trap dust easily. Make it a point to always change the filter every three months and lower the humidity of the air conditioner. Vacuum the carpet at least twice a week as well as your sofa and other upholstered furniture. Alternatively, you can choose furniture that is made of leather or wood. If you are planning to transfer to a new house and you and your family are prone to allergies, it is advisable if you would consider changing the wall to wall carpeting of your house to vinyl floors or hardwood.
If you are thinking that the house is dirty that is why the occupant has dust allergy, you are wrong. Most substances cannot be removed by normal house cleaning alone however; strong cleaning has the tendency to put more dust in the air that will make the matter worse. Houses that are clean can also trigger allergy if the person is very sensitive to dust.