The protein can attack the respiratory passages causing symptoms very similar to asthma and hay fever.
If you suffer from eczema it can make those symptoms worse.
Allergy testing for house dust mites is available for use at home using a tiny pinprick of blood.
House dust mites are microscopic organisms that are found in all homes.
They thrive in warm and humid houses with lots of human skin for food.
They tend to live in our beds. Because we spend so much of our time in bed we inhale large quantities of dust mite allergens.
The excretion of the mites contains a number of protein substances.
When these are inhaled or touch the skin, the body produces antibodies that cause the body to release histamine.
It is this release of histamine that leads to swelling and irritation of the upper respiratory passages. The sufferer then exhibits the symptoms that are similar to hayfever and asthma.
Typical symptoms of house dust mite allergy can include the following:
- Runny nose, itching, sneezing.
- Watering eyes.
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Eczema may get worse.
Car fumes and tobacco smoke can exacerbate the symptoms.
There are certain things that you can do at home to try to reduce the presence of house dust mites:
- Have as little furniture as possible in which mites can live.
- Clean walls, woodwork and floors with wet cloths. The floor can be polished.
- Only use rugs that can be washed once a week.
- Use bedding that can be washed often, cotton sheets, washable bottom sheets and synthetic blankets or duvets. Don't use woollen blankets or quilts.
- Make sure your chairs are made of wood or plastic.
- Use wet cloths and a bagless vacuum cleaner with an allergen filter to clean the house thoroughly at least twice a week.
- Avoid dust traps where possible.
- Wash bedding etc at a temperature of at least 60°C to kill the house dust mites.
- Put duvets and pillows in plastic bags and put them in the freezer for 24 hours at least once a month.
- Dust mites hate dry and cold air, so try to air the house every day and prevent any humidity.
- Don't allow anyone to smoke in the house.
If your allergy testing shows positive for you, you may be more prone to other complications such as other respiratory diseases, inflammation of the ear and you may also suffer from insomnia leading to chronic fatigue.
If you would like more information on allergy testing at home please click here.
