You know what’s the worst allergy of all?
All of them. Wait, was that a trick question? Nope. It’s just that the worst allergy is the one that you react most harshly to.
For many, that one allergy is dust.
Dust mites — and their waste — are one of the leading causes of allergies and asthma throughout the year. Dust allergy symptoms are like those of many other common allergies, such as:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Trouble breathing
- Coughing
If only thorough house-cleaning were the answer. In fact, your house may look incredibly clean, but dust can be everywhere. To compound matters, about 1,000 dust mites can fit on the head of a pin, meaning they can’t be spotted in the wild.
How do they survive and, worse yet, thrive? The mites consume stray human skin cells, and they absorb moisture from the air. They also love to gather on fibers and fabrics, including bed linens.
What Causes Allergies to Dust Mites?
It’s not the dust mites themselves, however, that cause allergy problems. Pardon us saying so, but it’s their feces and decaying bodies that are the true troublemakers.
When your immune system reacts to foreign substances like dust mite debris, it produces antibodies to protect you. You also experience an inflammatory response that can affect your lungs and nasal passages. With ongoing exposure to a triggering allergen, you can develop the chronic inflammation that’s related to asthma.
If you’ve experienced the problem, you know it can be serious to the nth degree. Which means you’ll want to do everything you can to keep the problem under control Here are a few good places to start.
- Cover and Clean
Consider having your home — and especially your bedroom — cleaned by someone who does not suffer from allergies. If you must clean on your own, be sure to wear a mask that can filter dust. Then:
- Use vacuum cleaners with microfiltration bags
- Use a damp cloth to dust furniture and a damp mop to clean bare flooring.
- Wash rugs in hot water if possible, since cold water allows up to 10 percent of mites to remain.
- Cover box springs, mattresses and pillows with plastic, airtight covers or dust mite encasements.
- Use pillows with polyester fiber filling, not feathers
- Wash bedding in the hottest water possible on a weekly basis.
- Reduce Humidity and Dust in the Air
A whole-house humidifier is a great investment for dust allergy sufferers. That’s because dust mites thrive when the indoor humidity level is 50% or higher. Set the level lower, and relief will be right around the corner.
- Eliminate Hiding Spots
Limit the number of stuffed toys and upholstered pieces of furniture at home. Choose washable fabrics when possible and opt for flooring materials other than carpets. Instead of draperies, choose window shades, which are easier to clean.
If your allergies are driving you crazy, contact MedCare Express today to schedule an appointment. Or if the problem is so severe that you don’t think it can wait, drop in without an appointment 7 days a week, 8 AM to 8 PM.