Learn about dust mite allergies

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Dust mites - close relatives of mites and spiders - are tiny creatures seen only through a microscope, living off of dead skin cells from our bodies. Dust mite allergy is an allergic reaction to these tiny insects. Common symptoms are sneezing and runny nose. Many people who are allergic to dust mites also have symptoms close to asthma such as wheezing and difficulty breathing.

1. Symptoms of dust mite allergy

Symptoms of a dust mite allergy that cause rhinitis include:
Sneezing Runny nose Itchy, red or watery eyes Congested nose Itchy nose, itchy palate or throat Postnasal drip Severe Cough and facial pain with young children, children often rub their noses If dust mite allergies cause asthma, common symptoms include:
Shortness of breath Chest tightness or pain A whistling or wheezing sound on exhalation when listening to the lungs. Difficulty sleeping due to difficulty breathing, coughing or wheezing Coughs or wheezing that are aggravated by respiratory viral infections such as colds or flu Dust mite allergies can range from mild to severe. Mild dust mite allergies sometimes cause runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. But in severe cases, the patient has long-lasting (chronic) symptoms, causing sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, continuous heaviness in the face, or a severe asthma attack.

2. Cause

An allergy is a condition in which the body's immune system reacts to foreign factors such as pollen, pet dander or dust mites. The immune system makes proteins called antibodies, which protect us from unwanted invaders that can make us sick or cause infections. When you have an allergy, the immune system produces antibodies that recognize the allergen as a harmful organism, even though they are harmless. When there is exposure to an allergen, the immune system produces an inflammatory response in the nasal passages or lungs. Prolonged or frequent exposure to allergens can cause chronic inflammation, leading to asthma.
Dust mites feed on organic matter such as dead skin cells, and instead of drinking water, they absorb water from moisture in the air. Did you know that the dust in our homes also contains waste and dust mite carcasses, the same proteins that are the culprits of dust mite allergies?

3. Risk factors

The following factors will increase your risk of dust mite allergy, including:
Having a family history. You are at greater risk of being sensitive to dust mites if several members of your household have allergies. Exposure to dust mites. Exposure to large numbers of dust mites, especially in early life, increases the risk of dust mite allergy.

4. Complications

If you already have a dust mite allergy, exposure to this organism can cause complications such as:
Sinusitis : Chronically inflamed nasal tissues caused by dust mite allergies can clog your sinuses, increasing your risk. sinusitis (sinusitis). Asthma: People with asthma and dust mite allergies often have difficulty controlling their asthma symptoms, increasing their risk of an asthma attack that requires immediate medical assistance or emergency treatment.

5. When to see a doctor

Some of the symptoms and signs of a dust mite allergy, such as a runny nose and sneezing, can be mistaken for the common cold. Sometimes it's not easy to tell if you have a cold or an allergy. If symptoms persist for more than a week, it could be an allergy. If you have signs of serious symptoms – such as severe nasal congestion, wheezing or trouble sleeping – see your doctor right away. You should go to the emergency department right away if your symptoms of wheezing or shortness of breath rapidly increase or are short of breath after even minimal activities.

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Article referenced source: Mayoclinic.org