What You Need To Know About Dust Mite Allergy

Many Australians suffer from dust mite allergies which are more common in humid and coastal regions however with modern rural homes more commonly having tight aluminium windows and evaporative air conditioning indoor moisture levels can be high enough to maintain a mite population.

These microscopic organisms are largely invisible to the human eye and live within the home, feeding on dead skin cells and fungal spores causing issues for those who are particularly sensitive to them.

Although dust mites are a normal part of our everyday environments it has become increasingly common over recent decades for them to be recognised as a primary trigger for conditions such as asthma, eczema  and allergic nasal and eye conditions.

Thankfully, there are solutions for properly managing dust mite allergies, and testing to demonstrate that they are likely the root cause of symptoms.

Then effective management can lessen exposure and mitigate allergic reactions caused by dust mites.

Let’s explore :

• The proper way to diagnosis dust mite allergy
• The causes of dust mite allergies
• Long term management techniques
• Treatment options for dust mite allergies

At our Allergy Testing Sydney clinic, qualified practitioners can identify the symptoms caused by specific reactions and provide you with an individualistic solution to address the problem.

What are Dust Mites?

Dust mites are little arachnids that live in warm and humid conditionsand are closely related to spiders.

These micro creatures are around 0.3 millimetres long and are very common in Australian dwellings, especially in older darker, damper poorly ventilated environments with a lot of fabric.

As they eat skin flakes they subsequently can be found in areas where the skin flakes accumulate such as soft furnishings, clothing, bedding, carpets and upholstered furniture,curtains cushions and soft toys Dust mites feed on dander (shed and dead skin cells) that have been decomposed by fungi.

Although dust mites themselves are not dangerous, their droppings account for at least half of the triggering allergen, the rest coming from broken down body parts.

These allergen particles are small enough to become airborne when fabric is disturbed for example by rolling over in bed or opening a cupboard and moving clothing. They can then float for tens of minutes.

Several allergic conditions can be brought on by dust mites, including:

• Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis
• Exacerbation of asthma
• Eczema or atopic dermatitis
• Eye irritation or conjunctivitis

Research has shown the direct correlation between being exposed to dust mites, and the amplification of allergies like asthma, specifically within children, as indicated by the National Library of Medicine, in several studies.

Please see the full research and medical resources on : House dust mite allergy. A major risk factor for childhood asthma in Australia

The Types of Symptoms Caused from Dust Mites

Allergies to dust mites can show up in a variety of ways and impact different parts of the body.

Dust mite allergy symptoms can range in intensity from minor to more serious discomfort, and health problems, particularly for people who have pre existing respiratory disorders.

Symptoms of the respiratory system :

• Sneezing
• Runny or congested nose
• Itchy mouth throat or nose
• Coughing, wheezing or trouble breathing
• Tightness of the chest

Dust mites prefer bedding, and their symptoms can feel more prevalent when you wake up. This is due to the heat conducted from your body and soft furnishings from your bed.

– Skin Reactions :

• Itchy skin
• Flare ups of eczema
• Dust mite allergy rash or hives

Allergens from dust mites can cause new skin reactions or worsen pre existing ones, as they are attracted to the dead skin cells.

– Irritation of the eyes :

• Watery red or itchy eyes
• Swollen eyelids

Dust mite allergens can cause eye irritation, and in some cases resulting in conjunctivitis, due to the inflammation of the membrane that protects your eyes.

Symptoms associated with asthma:

• Increased asthma attacks
• Breathing difficulties,
• Stiffness or tightness in the chest
• Difficulty falling asleep as a result of shortness of breath

Individuals with asthma, can have an increased chance of asthma related symptoms while being exposed to dust mites due in the home or spaces with a pre-existing condition.

Dust Mite Allergy Treatment

Accurate diagnosis is the first step towards managing dust mite allergies effectively. At Allergy Testing, we provide thorough allergy testing services in order to pinpoint certain triggers and create individualised treatment plans.

Our methodology of testing allergies :

– Skin Prick Testing :
This particular technique entails lightly pricking the skin after applying a tiny quantity of the suspected allergen. Within 15-20 minutes, a positive reaction may show up, indicating a sensitivity to dust mites.

– Blood Testing :
The amount of antibodies generated against suspected allergens is measured by a specific IgE (sIgE) blood tests, such as Immunocap

Our clinic takes a complete, thorough and patient centred approach to identifying and managing dust mite allergies. We begin with a medical history and physical examination, along with any necessary allergy tests.

We’ll create a customised treatment plan based on your needs, this can include :

– Allergen Avoidance Strategies :
Our specialists will provide comprehensive instructions on how to reduce dust mite exposure and how you can manage this at home.

– Medications :
To help control symptoms, this may involve the use of antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids or other medications. Keep in mind this temporarily masks symptoms, rather than managing them for the long term.

– Immunotherapy :
When deemed necessary we can  provide allergen specific immunotherapy for severe instances, which can be administered  as or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) or subcutaneous injections (SCIT)

– Asthma Management :
For patients with asthma, we’ll work with you directly and develop a plan for asthma control and the proper use of preventers and relievers.

Our objective at Allergy Testing is to provide patients with the proper knowledge, test and discover the root cause of your allergies backed by scientific information.

We’ll work in collaboration together to help develop a treatment plan and how to get an allergy test in Australia that fits your individual needs and requirements.

Effective Strategies for Reducing Dust Mite Exposure 

Reducing dust mite exposure is a necessary step in managing allergies over the long term. Here are some helpful methods to help reduce and lower the build-up of dust mites in your home.

Allergy proof covering and bedding care :

• To eliminate dust mites allergens, wash sheets, pillowcases and other bedding once a week in hot water above 60 degrees Celsius. This helps kill bacteria and any dead skin cells.
• Cover beds, pillows and quilts with dust mite resistant coverings, this will help prevent further build up.
• Consider replacing your pillows every two years and washing them monthly, as your face is directly in contact with the pillow every day, lowering the reaction from dust mites.

Surface Cleaning and Vacuuming :

• Every week vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture, use a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters to help contain and remove any loose dirt or bacteria.
• Use a damp dust cloth or a microfibre cloth to clean hard surfaces to eliminate any trapped dust.
• Sections beneath furniture like couches and beds, causes a larger culmination of dust mite build up. It’s helpful to vacuum in those hidden areas where you sleep and spend the most time.

Flooring Considerations :

• If possible hard flooring like wood or tiles or linoleum should be used in place of carpets, to prevent dust from getting trapped in the fibres.
• For existing carpets, select low pile carpets and steam clean them on a regularly basis
• For rugs in the home, select washable rugs that can be washed once a week

Effective Dust Removal :

• To capture dust rather than scatter is, use moist cloths of electrostatic dusters
• Take down curtains if possible and install wipeable shutters or blinds in their place
• With soft furnishings, such as pillows and kids plush toys, regularly clean in the washing machine or with a highly suctioned electronic vacuum.

Humidity Control :

• To prevent the growth of dust mites and mould, keep indoor humidity levels as low as can be reasonably maintained. If relative humidity is maintained below 50% then dust mites will not survive longer than a week or two.
• While this is not practical in most situations just focusing on good ventilation especially in bedrooms and cupboards and keeping relative humidity as low as reasonable can make a big difference.
• You can try using a central air conditioner or dehumidifiers to control humidity and to achieve a low and controlled temperature.
• If you can, avoid using ceiling fans, due to the spreading of dust.

Medical Treatment at Allergy Testing

We know that having dust mite allergies can be difficult, but with the proper diagnosis and management it is possible to improve and manage your allergies with a clear strategy in the long term.

Our team at AllergyTesting offers effective treatment options, so you can receive support and the care you need, including :

• Perform comprehensive allergy testing to pinpoint particular sensitives and triggers
• Make a customised treatment plan to control your dust mite allergies
• Offer a variety of diagnostic services and assist with your health at each stage in the process
• Offer advice on allergen avoidance and environmental control measured

Contact our team directly and book an appointment today.