Dust mite allergy is an allergic reaction to tiny bugs that live in house dust. Symptoms of dust mite allergy are like those of hay fever, such as sneezing and runny nose. Many people with dust mite allergy also have symptoms of asthma, such as wheezing and trouble breathing.
Dust mites are related to ticks and spiders. Dust mites are too small to see without a microscope. They eat skin cells that people shed.
Dust mites like places that are warm and humid. In most homes, they’re in bedding, padded furniture and carpeting.
Reducing the number of dust mites in the home can help control dust mite allergy. Some people need medicines or other treatments to relieve symptoms and manage asthma.
Symptoms:
•In dust mite allergies, swelling, called inflammation, of the inside of the nose, causes:
•Sneezing.
•Runny nose.
•Itchy, red or watery eyes.
•Stuffy nose.
•Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat.
•Mucus running down the back of the throat, called postnasal drip.
•Cough.
•Facial pressure and pain.
•Swollen, discolored skin under the eyes.
•In a child, frequent upward rubbing of the nose.
A dust mite allergy can range from mild to severe. A mild case of dust mite allergy may cause a runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing. Sometimes, the condition may be ongoing, called chronic.
With a dust mite allergy, symptoms are likely to be worse while sleeping or cleaning. At those times, the dust mite allergens are more likely to be in the air.
An ongoing dust mite allergy can cause repeated sneezing and coughing; stuffy nose; and facial pressure. It also can cause a flare-up of dry, itchy skin, called eczema, or severe asthma attack.
MBH/PS