Can Dust Mites Cause Panic Attacks at Night?

Dust mites are a common allergen that cause many people to have allergic reactions. The feces and bodies of dead dust mites can become airborne. If you are allergic to dust mites, your body will produce histamines that attack the inhaled dust mite and can react in different ways, including panic attacks.

Symptoms

• When the body releases histamines to fight dust mites or other allergies, such as pollen, mold and pet dander, that person may also suffer from an allergic panic attack. The symptoms of an allergic panic attack are anxiety, labored breathing, and in some cases, sweating and increased heart rate.

Features

• Panic attacks can sometimes mimic an asthma attack, which is another common side effect of a dust mite allergy. Asthma attacks result in labored breathing, wheezing and an increased heart rate, which must be controlled with medication, such as an inhaled steroid.

Prevention/Solution

• The easiest way to control or prevent allergic panic attacks and asthma attacks is to eliminate as many allergens as possible. Clean sheets and a low-dust environment is the best way to prevent nighttime attacks. If panic attacks continue, consider talking to a doctor about the best way to reduce your anxiety.