Health Risks of Dust Mites

Dust mites pose several health effects for many people. Because they are found in nearly every home, millions of people are affected in one way or another due to these microscopic, eight-legged creatures. Unlike other parasitic mites which feed off our blood, flesh or burrow under or in our skin, dust mites do not bite or live on us. Dust mites feed off our shed skin cells, pet dander, pollen and other materials. Properly managing dust mites relieves the majority of threat from these tiny creatures. Regularly vacuuming, steam cleaning furniture, washing bedding and removing dust helps control the mite population.

Allergies

• Approximately 20 million people are allergic to dust mites, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The mites themselves are not the allergen, their waste and shed body parts are. Respiratory signs of dust mite allergy include wheezing, coughing, stuffy ears, runny nose and sneezing. Skin effects include eczema, an irritating skin rash. These symptoms can happen and last throughout the year. Many people experience these symptoms when they stir up dust in their homes.

Asthma

• Dust mites are a trigger for many asthmatics' attacks.The mites can even cause asthma in children predisposed to the disease, according to the Alliance for Healthy Homes. Symptoms of an asthma attack include a tightening of the chest, wheezing or coughing. Dust mites may not trigger asthma in all asthmatics. Asthma is chronic and causes the lungs' airways to tighten and become inflamed.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

• Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as "pink eye," is an inflammation of the eye. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the body reacts to certain allergens. Unlike other forms of conjunctivitis which generally affect one eye or start in one eye then spread to the other, allergic conjunctivitis typically affects both eyes at once. The whites of the eyes generally turn a pink or red color and become irritated and itchy.