Dust Allergy

Dust Allergy or Dust Mite Allergy is an immune system response to a particular protein derived from dust mites that elicits irritation in the interiors of the nasal passages leading to allergic rhinitis that causes breathing discomfort, wheezing, drippy nose and other symptoms correlated to hay fever.

Dust mites, related to the spider family, are microscopic in appearance that gorge on dead skin daily discarded by humans and pets, flourishing in tepid, damp environments. In many households, duvets, drapery furnishings, fitted carpets present the most idyllic settings for dust mites.

Dust Allergy Causes:

Sufferers of dust allergy are in fact sensitive to the protein that is present in the waste produce of the dust mites that lead to persistent symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma, especially in infants.

Some are allergic to the specks of cockroaches present in the dust. The allergy is caused due to sensitivity to the protein found in cockroach rubble, spit and the body pieces of insects.

Those that have pet allergies would display symptoms if dust includes pet shedding. Those reacting to molds have allergy to mold spores that might be present in the dust particle. Even creatures like bacteria and fungus are seen to thrive in the dust.

Dust Allergy Symptoms:

Dust allergy has symptoms quite analogous to pollen allergies that comprise of:

• Redness, itchiness and watering of the eyes.
• Dripping, scratchy sensation, stuffiness in the nose.
• Repetitive sneezing.
• Few individuals show asthma symptoms like cough, breathing discomfort and gasping.

Exams & Tests:

Dust allergy symptoms are similar to cold, nevertheless, if the sniffling and sneezes persist, one should promptly seek medical advice. Those with dust mite allergy have likelihood to contract pet allergies or might be already, unknowingly be allergic to dogs, cats or other animals.

After detailed inquiry into the symptoms, environmental conditions at home or vocation, a skin test is performed to determine the precise material in the dust that is causing the reaction.

A blood test could be undertaken to verify the allergy previously detected in the skin testing.

Dust Allergy Treatment:

Dust allergies are treated in three basic ways:

• Target-specific evasion that involves steering clear from or reduce contact of the particular component of the dust particle that activates allergic reactions. This is effective only when the test results display the exact substance present in the dust like pet shedding or dust mites that are causing allergic reactions.
• Dust allergy medications assist in controlling the symptoms. One could be medically advised:
• Antihistamine medication like Benadryl, prescription medicines like Allegra, Clarinex, nose sprays such as prescription medicines like Astelin, eye drops like OcuHist.
• De-clogging medications to alleviate nasal obstruction like the decongestant Sudafed or the prescription medicine, Allegra-D.
• Topical application of nasal steroids that have anti-irritant properties to halt allergic symptoms like Flonase and Nasonex.
• Drugs like Singulair are administered for their effectual antagonistic properties to inhibit the chemical effect known as leukotrienes that are emitted in reaction to the allergy.
• Anti-allergic injections could also be suggested to such individuals.

Possible Complications:

Persistent irritation of the nasal passage tissues due to dust allergy could block the sinuses that are depressed spaces attached to the nasal passages that lead to sinus infection or sinusitis.

Those asthmatic persons with dust mite allergy have trouble in controlling asthma symptoms putting them at greater threat to rising asthma attacks that necessitate prompt medical assistance or emergency services.

Prevention:

The following pointers would assist in averting dust allergy:

• Avoiding the utilization of mattress padding.
• Always wearing a mask prior to engaging in any cleaning procedure.
• Placing sealed, plastic-made anti-dust casing around cushions, mattresses and box springs.
• One should always use cushions made of polyester fibres rather than feather-based or kapok-based.
• Thorough disinfecting and cleansing of all bedcovers in more than 130 degree Fahrenheit temperature water once during the week. Alternately, they could be sent to the laundry.
• Cleaning flooring and surfaces with wet wiper or duster.
• The sleeping arrangements should preferably be on the top floors or avoiding concrete mostly seen in basements as they tend to hold dampness and sustain clammy, moist atmosphere that helps harbour dust mites.
• The humidity levels must always be maintained at less than 55%, preferably with the assistance of an appliance known as the hygrometer that is locally available.
• Using shades or blinds on windows rather than drapery and washing them in torrid water once during the week.
• Wooden or vinyl floorboards are the ideal option as fitted carpets only lock in dust.
• One should use high efficiency particulate air filter also called HEPA that has MERV ranking being 11 or 12 in the heater or the air-conditioner, changing the filter in three month intervals.
• Humidity that accelerates the growth of mites can be reduced by using the air-conditioning unit or the de-humidifier.
• Using a vacuum cleaner that has HEPA filter to suck up all dust from carpeting, furnishings during one to two times in a week.
• Opting for wooden, leather, coat or metallic furniture.
• Washing all foot mats, rugs with a chemical induced solution prior to scrubbing them down with hot water and cleansing solution.

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