The Effects of Dust Mite Allergies

Dust mites are tiny organisms that accumulate on upholstery, bedding and skin. They shed feces and microscopic skin particles that transport through the air and on pets and humans, lingering and laying eggs on skin, textiles, dander and organic materials. Dust mites promote household dust, an environmental inhalant that causes allergic rhinitis, allergic sinusitis, allergic asthma, and allergy-related skin conditions in humans and animals.

Identification

• Dust mites are particularly abundant in mattresses, linens and pillows due to increased amounts of human skin, hair and secretions that provide an ideal environment for egg hatching. Individuals with dust mite allergies may experience more pronounced symptoms when sleeping, causing discomfort, congestion, coughing, breathing difficulty, itching, insomnia and related fatigue. Hives, rashes and eczema may result from skin contact with high concentrations of dust mites. Protective, hypoallergenic coverings for mattresses, pillows and bedding are helpful in reducing dust mite populations within a bedroom.

Effects

• Dust mites are involuntarily inhaled through the eyes, nose and mouth, and are unavoidable to an extent since all homes collect dust, skin and hair which mites feed upon. The effects of dust mite allergies include allergic rhinitis symptoms of nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose and headaches due to histamine responses that cause the mucous membranes to become inflamed. Allergic sinusitis symptoms of facial pressure, nasal congestion, migraines and ear infections can develop due to dust mite inhalation.

Considerations

• As dust mites enter the body, symptoms of allergic asthma may begin within moments due to mites lining the airways, lungs and nasal passages with microscopic dust particles and mite fecal matter. Effects of dust mites on allergic asthma include: wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, congestion, chronic coughing bronchospasms and asthma attacks. Inhalers, antihistamines, corticosteroids and nebulizer treatments can help alleviate symptoms resulting from dust mite inhalation by dilating the airways, easing breathing and preventing severe attacks.

Warning

• Pets carry mites that can lead to the development of mange, a condition causing allergic skin conditions, decreased immunity and infectious dermatitis. Scabies, demodectic and cheyletiella are types of parasitic mites hosted and transported by animals. Mite infestations result in symptoms of itchy skin, pink, red or black discolorations and patches of hair loss on pets. Mites can transfer to humans and surfaces through minimal contact such as petting, rubbing against or sleeping upon. Maintenance of dog bedding, regular grooming and doctor-prescribed antibiotics, antihistamines or anti-fungal medicines can treat mange and decrease mite reproduction and effects.

Prevention/Solution

• Dust mites thrive in high humidity, needing moisture and water for survival. High altitudes and dry climates are considered hostile environments for mites. Decreasing indoor humidity levels through the use of well-dusted and regularly maintained dehumidifiers, fans and air purifiers can result in smaller populations, leading to improved air quality and health for allergic individuals. Decreasing dust mite triggering agents such as ash, soot, mold spores, soil, dander and pollen by vacuuming, dusting and cleaning regularly aids in the reduction of mites.