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Dust Mite Allergy: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment

Dust mite allergy is an allergic reaction to common household dust mites. Read on to learn the causes, complications, symptoms, and Treatment of Dust mite allergy.
authorImageDeeksha Dixit7 Feb, 2024
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Dust Mite Allergy: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment

Dust mite allergy is an allergic condition that occurs as a reaction to common bugs or minute insects living in household dust. Another common name for dust mites allergy is house dust allergy. These dust mites are tiny enough to be seen without a microscope.

In Dust mite allergy normal symptoms like a runny nose or hay fever are commonly observed. Some people have Dust mite allergy along with signs of asthmatic conditions like difficulty in breathing and wheezing. While studying medicine, understanding the symptoms and causes of Dust mite allergy is crucial for top exams like NEET PG .

Dust Mite Allergy - Introduction

Micro Bugs or Mites are normally found in dust particles of every household. Humans can not notice them without a microscope, unlike ticks. These dust mites feed on our dead skin cells and thrive particularly in warm and humid surroundings. When these bugs cause symptoms like hay runny nose or hay fever it is characterized as Dust mite allergy. Further, at times, these allergies can coupled with asthmatic symptoms in many people. Houses having upholstered furniture, carpeting, mattresses, and curtains invite dust mites.

What Causes Dust Mite Allergy?

Dust mites have substances or proteins in their feces and dead bodies which are known as harmless allergens. The immune system characterizes them as ‘invaders’ leading to an immune response of the body to get rid of these foreign objects. The immune system produces antibodies as a reaction to foreign substances like pollen, mites, etc resulting in allergies.  Our immune system tends to perceive allergens as harmful when we have allergies and inflames the nasal passages or lungs. Regular and extended contact with allergens can lead to chronic inflammation related to asthma. These bugs causing the allergy feed on organic particles like human dead skin cells and absorb moisture from surrounding humidity.

Dust Mite Allergy - Complications

Consistent exposure to mites can lead to some serious complications related to Dust mite allergy. Sinus infections and Asthma are the two most concerning health issues that can be caused by prolonged allergies. Asthma: Asthmatic people having dust mite allergy often find it difficult to manage regular symptoms. Asthma attacks can be caused by serious complications related to allergies requiring immediate medical intervention or emergency care. Sinus Infection: Chronic inflammation caused by dust mite allergy in tissues of nasal passages can block the hollow cavities (sinuses) connected to these passages. It can increase the risk of sinusitis i.e. sinus infections requiring medical treatment.

Symptoms of Dust Mite Allergy

People may confuse a dust mite allergy with an upper respiratory viral illness, such as the flu or common cold. This is why identifying symptoms clearly is essential. Here are some common symptoms of dust mite allergy:
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Itching, red, or wet eyes
  • Nasal cavity congestion
  • Itchy mouth, throat, or nose
  • Cough
  • A postnasal drip
  • Feeling pressure and pain in the face
  • Swelling under eyes/ Blue-colored skin
Further, when dust mite allergies are aggravated to asthma people may notice the following symptoms:
  • Breathing Difficulties
  • Chest Pain or tightness
  • Audible whistling/wheezing while exhaling
  • Shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing while sleeping
These symptoms of wheezing or coughing worsen during respiratory infections such as the flu or a cold. While mile dust mite allergy occasionally causes watery eyes, sneezing, or runny nose, the severe allergy can lead to persistent sickness, asthma attacks,  flare-ups of eczema, etc.

Dust Mite Allergy Risk Factors

The risk factors of dust mite allergy are usually related to heredity, prolonged exposure, and childhood exposure. Here are dust mite allergy’s potential risk factors: Family History : People having heredity allergic conditions in the family are more likely to develop a dust mite allergy. Prolonged Exposure: When people are exposed to high levels of dust mites for a longer duration, they are likely to develop an allergy. Early Age: Children or young adults exposed to severe dust mites are at potential risk of developing dust mite allergy.

Diagnosing Dust Mite Allergy

Since few symptoms are common to flu and common cold it is advised to consult doctors for diagnosis of Dust mite allergy. To confirm an airborne allergy, the doctor might employ a small instrument to assess the state of the nasal lining.
  • A widened nasal passage resulting in a pale or bluish appearance in case of allergy.
  • When symptoms worsen disturbing sleep further investigation is required.
  • An Allergic skin test (e.g. Skin prick test) is recommended for skin-related allergies. In this, the specialist picks the surface of the skin with small amounts of refined allergen extracts, like those for dust mites. Allergic reactions, such as redness and itching can be noticed as the effect of dust mite allergy.
  • When a skin test is not feasible due to medication interference, a blood test may be ordered. In this method, specific antibodies related to common allergens like dust mites are tested.

How to Treat Dust Mite Allergy?

Usually controlling dust mites is recommended but for serious health concerns medication may be prescribed. Following are some medications that are used for dust mite allergy treatment: Allergy Shots or Immunotherapy : Allergy shots instruct the immune system to tolerate dust mite allergens. However, they do not provide a cure as improvement in symptoms may take 6 to 12 months of consistent treatment. This treatment is quite long requiring a commitment of 3 to 5 years. Allergy Drops : Specialists may prescribe dust mite sublingual immunotherapy drops containing small doses of dust mite protein. These drops are placed under the tongue daily to help the body develop tolerance to dust mite proteins and reduce allergy symptoms. In this treatment, a minimum of 6 months times is essential to notice improvement. Oral Antihistamines: Oral Antihistamines block histamine, a substance released by allergy cells that causes symptoms like itching, sneezing, and a runny nose. Antihistamine Nasal Sprays: Antihistamine Nasal sprays are applied directly into the nostrils. These nasal sprays work to block histamine and alleviate allergy symptoms. Decongestants: Oral or nasal decongestants can also be prescribed to offer temporary relief for nasal congestion. Decongestants are recommended to be used for a short duration only not for prologued use.

Delve deeper into the MBBS Prof syllabus. Download the PW Med Ed app now to learn medicine topics in detail!

Dust Mite Allergy FAQs

What is Dust Mite Allergy?

Dust mite allergy is an allergic reaction such as a runny nose, hay fever, and, in some cases, asthmatic conditions to tiny insects found in household dust.

What complications can be caused by Dust mite allergy?

Consistent exposure to dust mites may lead to serious complications, including sinus infections and asthma. Further, asthmatic individuals face asthma attacks in severe cases.

Can Dust mite allergy be prevented?

To prevent Dust mite allergy, reducing exposure to dust mites through regular cleaning, using allergen-proof bedding, etc. can help.

How can Dust mite allergy be Treated?

Treatment options for Dust mite allergy include allergy shots, sublingual immunotherapy drops, oral antihistamines, antihistamine nasal sprays, and decongestants.
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