How to Live With Allergies to Dust Mites

Despite dust mites' microscopic size, they can be a significant cause of your allergic reactions. They thrive in moist, warm environments, on a diet of human skin flakes - which are especially abundant in your bedding. The following steps will help you get rid of dust mites in your home and breathe a little easier.

Things You'll Need

• Air Filters
• Flitered Vacuums
• Allergy Free Matress Covers
• Allergy-free Bedding
• Latex Mattresses
• Bioflavonoid Complex
• Bromelain
• Coenzyme Q10
• Echinacea
• Quercetin
• Vitamin C

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Instructions

• 1

  Encase mattresses, box springs and pillows in plastic covers. Special covers are now sold for this purpose, but any plastic cover will do as long as it is airtight.

• 2

  Buy a natural latex mattress. Natural latex is completely resistant to dust mites, as well as being very good for your back.

• 3

  Remove clutter such as books and magazines from rooms - these are prime dust targets.

• 4

  Wash bedding in hot water. It will kill all dust mites. Cold water will only remove about 90 percent of them. Change bedding once a week.

• 5

  Dry clean drapes and other nonwashable items - this will get rid of dust mites.

• 6

  Use superheated steam to clean carpets, which are great sources of dust mites. If possible, remove carpeting completely, especially in bedrooms.

• 7

  Vacuum often - at least every week - including carpets and upholstery. Use a vacuum with a high-efficiency filter.

• 8

  Spray carpets every two months with a 3 percent tannic acid solution. It may help keep dust mites at a minimum.

• 9

  Use polyurethane covers over the matting on your furniture, especially if you plan to be away for an extended time.

• 10

  Keep it cool - leave the air conditioner running when it is hot and humid out. Dust mites thrive in heat and humidity.

• 11

  Wipe and mop exposed surfaces regularly. Pay attention to dust collectors such as air conditioning vents and ceiling fans.

• 12

  Take allergy medication as prescribed to help keep symptoms under control.

• 13

  Add 1,000 to 5,000 mg of vitamin C plus bioflavonoid complex to your diet daily in divided doses, plus 500mg of quercetin twice daily. These both help to minimize allergy symptoms and boost the immune system.

• 14

  Take 100mg bromelain twice daily. It enhances quercetin absorption.

• 15

  Add herbs burdock, dandelion and echinacea to your diet. Take as a tincture or in capsules, or drink as a tea. These herbs help relieve allergy symptoms.

• 16

  Supplement with coenzyme Q10. Take 100mg daily. It helps the immune system, and research is under way to determine whether it helps relieve allergy and asthma symptoms.

• 17

  Use stinging nettle and mullein leaf to help relieve allergic reactions. They are good for respiratory reactions. Take as capsules, tea or tincture.