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How To Know If You Have Dust Allergies



Leaving Wet Towels & Shower Curtains Bunched Up

Want to spend less time scrubbing mold and mildew from bathroom surfaces and cut down on laundry? Don’t leave wet towels in a heap on the floor and damp shower curtains bunched up. This is one of the simplest bad habits to break. By closing the shower curtain after each use, it will dry more quickly and discourage mold and mildew growth. By remembering to hang wet towels to dry, you’ll be able to get a second or third use and lighten your laundry loads.

Some Of Your Dust Comes From The Outside

The dust that you see on your bookshelf is not all from just the inside. Some of it you and your pet tracked in when you came home from a walk. These are tiny particles of pollen, soil, and sand that stuck to your shoes or the dog’s paw pads. Next, there is the dust that comes from the interior of the home.

It involves fibers from the carpeting, the towels, or the bedding. Your pet’s dander and your dead skin flakes also contribute. Next, there are dust mites that ingest the organic dust components. Their feces and exoskeletons – these mites only have a life span of about two months – contribute to the dust as well.

Back Up: Why Do We Cough Anyway

Coughing is a natural response to irritation in your throat or airways. “To put it simply, receptors in the throat, trachea, and lungs respond and lead to activation of the “cough center” in the brain,” explains Clifford Bassett, M.D., founder and medical director of Allergy and Asthma Care of New York.

Coughing is “an essential defense mechanism,” he says, and it’s your body’s way of pushing any unwanted stuff out, including pollen, mucus, and pieces of food, to make more room for air to get through.

Question 3 Of 10:how Do You Know What You’re Allergic To

  • 1Track your symptoms at home to narrow down your triggers. Every time you experience allergy symptoms, write them down in a notebook or an app on your phone. Note anything you ate or drank, whether you touched any animals, any lotions, soaps, or cosmetics you used, and anything else you can think of that might be relevant. You might even write down what you were wearing—you could be allergic to a certain fabric or laundry detergent.XResearch source
  • In addition, write down where you were—like whether you were indoors or outdoors.
  • Try to think back for at least a couple of hours before your symptoms occurred. Allergies symptoms usually show up pretty quickly after exposure to your allergen, but they can sometimes take a while to develop.XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source
  • 2See an allergist for testing to know for sure. Although it’s fine to discuss your allergy concerns with your primary care provider, it’s best to see an allergist for further testing and treatment. At your first appointment, go over your allergy diary with your allergist. They’ll also likely talk to you about your family history, and they may do a physical exam.XTrustworthy SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and ImmunologyNational professional organization of allergists, asthma specialists and immunologists that focuses on supporting and publishing researchGo to source
  • Question 5 Of 10:what Are The Most Common Types Of Allergies

    7 Dust Mite Myths Busted

  • 1There are four major types of allergies. Typically, people are allergic to something in their environment, food, insect stings, or medications. You may be allergic to one or more items within these categories, as well.
  • Environmental allergies can include seasonal allergies to pollen, perennial allergies to things like mold and pet dander, and contact allergies that lead to skin irritation.XResearch source
  • Food allergies can occur when you eat a certain food, although if they’re severe, they might be triggered when you simply touch or breathe in that item.
  • Insect allergies typically only occur when you are bitten or stung by the insect you’re allergic to.
  • Medication allergies can occur with both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, but they are not the same as side effects from taking medication.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source
  • What Is A Dust Mite Allergy

    An allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction. Both the body parts and the waste of dust mites are allergens for many people. Most dust mites die in low humidity levels or extreme temperatures. But they leave their dead bodies and waste behind. These can continue to cause allergic reactions. In a warm, humid house, dust mites can survive all year.

    Causes And Risk Factors

    Allergy symptoms arise when your body overreacts to particular substances that are usually harmless. These substances trigger a chain reaction in the immune system. First, the body makes antibodies to fight the allergen, and the antibodies bind to specific cells. If these cells come into contact with the allergen again, they are then able to “respond” by releasing chemical substances such as histamine. These substances then set off an allergic reaction, causing symptoms such as sneezing or itchy eyes.

    It’s almost impossible to avoid contact with dust. If dust is stirred up – for instance, by a draft of wind or when shaking up bedding – it floats through the air and is breathed in, together with the allergens on it.

    Sometimes a higher risk of allergies runs in families. Environmental factors such as air pollution and cigarette smoke can make them more likely too.

    Not Washing Away Allergens Effectively

    Dust mites tend to thrive in bedding, pillows, towels, and throw rugs. And since we spend so much of our time in the bedroom, it’s especially important to reduce allergens there. At least once a week, wash pillowcases, sheets, and blankets with an Anti-Allergen Laundry Detergent to neutralize allergens. 

    How Can I Prevent Allergic Reactions To Dust Mites

    Remember, having dust mites doesn’t mean your house isn’t clean. In most areas of the world, these creatures live in every home, no matter how clean. But, you can reduce their effects. There are many changes you can make to your home to reduce the numbers of these unwanted “guests.”

    Studies show that more dust mites live in your bedroom than anywhere else in your home. So this is the best place to start.

    • Cover mattresses and pillows in zippered dust-proof covers. These covers are made of a material with pores too small to let dust mites and their waste product through. They are also called allergen-impermeable. Plastic or vinyl covers are the least expensive, but some people find them uncomfortable. You can buy other fabric allergen-impermeable covers from many regular bedding stores.
    • Wash your sheets and blankets weekly in hot water. You have to wash them in water that’s at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit or more to kill dust mites.
    • Get rid of all types of fabric that mites love and that you cannot easilywash regularly in hot water. Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting, curtains, blinds, upholstered furniture and down-filled covers and pillows in the bedroom. Put roll-type shades on your windows instead of curtains.
    • Special CERTIFIED filter vacuum cleaners can help to keep mites and mite waste from getting back into the air. CERTIFIED vacuums are scientifically tested and verified as more suitable for making your home healthier.

     

    What Do Dust Mite Bites Look Like

    While other bugs you encounter may bite, dust mites themselves don’t actually bite your skin. However, an allergic reaction to these pesky creatures may induce skin rashes. These are often red and itchy in nature.

    Allergic reactions to dust mites are common and typically caused by inhaling the mites’ skin and fecal matter materials.

    • sneezing
    • itchy throat

    Depending on the severity of your dust mite allergies, this condition may also trigger asthma.

    You may notice wheezing, coughing, and chest pain as a result. Your symptoms may be worse at night when you’re lying down. The more you stay indoors, the more you may be prone to dust mite complications.

    The best way to treat allergies is to get rid of the underlying culprit. Depending on the severity of your symptoms though, you may need immediate relief.

    Talk to your doctor about the following treatment options for dust mite allergies:

    Removing The Allergen From Your Environment

    Your physician should be able to assist you with methods for eliminating or reducing the amount of exposure to the allergen that triggers your symptoms. There are many options. You can also buy several types of commercially available products to test your home for common allergens and molds. By taking samples of the dust around your home, you can receive a detailed report telling what allergens are in your home. The kit in conjunction with blood testing can tell you what allergens need to be removed from your home.

    What Actually Is House Dust

    House dust is a mixture of diverse substances that can cause allergies. House dust is composed of a number of natural substances, including dried food particles, mold spores, pollen, fabric fibers, animal dander, and insect parts, especially those of dust mites and cockroaches. However, particles and debris from dust mites are the major source of allergens in dust. As is the case with other allergens, these particles contain proteins that are small enough to become airborne and inhaled.

    Dust Mite Allergy Symptom Relief

    Dust Mites

    , and decongestants are all common treatments to ease dust mite allergy symptoms. Antihistamines block the chemical histamine which the body releases when it comes into contact with an allergen. Corticosteroids can help calm inflammation. Both can help to control the irritation in your nose. Decongestants can also help with your blocked nose but should only be taken for a limited time.

    How To Reduce Dust Allergies

    If you want to keep your home free of dust mites, try the following:

    • Reduce humidity with a dehumidifier; if it’s under 50 percent, dust mites cannot survive.
    • Limit carpeting in the home. Use area rugs instead, and be sure to dry-clean these with very hot water to get rid of dust mites.
    • If you’re vacuuming or dusting the house, use a filtering mask. This will prevent allergic reactions as you clean your home. Also, limit your time in the room as you’re cleaning it and afterwards.
    • Consider throwing out down-filled pillows and blankets, upholstered furniture, blinds, and curtains in addition to carpeting. These surfaces are all hotbeds for dust mites.
    • Use dust-proof covers for pillows and mattresses to keep dust mites out of bed.

    How To Get Rid Of Dust Mites

    Here’s the thing: You can’t actually eliminate them completely. “It is almost impossible to completely get rid of dust mites in the home,” Dr. Patel says. Still, there are “some things that you can do in the home to help decrease dust mite load without needing a professional,” she adds.

    That means knowing the conditions that can increase your risk of having a thriving dust mite population in your home in the first place, according to Dr. Corry. Some of the big risk factors include humidity, large areas of fixed carpeting, and lots of dust mite food depositing into the same space . Not changing your bedding or cleaning often enough can help create an environment that dust mites love. Once you know the risk factors, you can better target the elimination and prevention of dust mites.

    The NIEHS specifically recommends taking the following steps:

    • Use a or air conditioner to maintain humidity levels at or below 50%.

    How To Tell If You Have Dust Mites In Your House

    Unlike other bugs and the way to detect bed bugs, dust mites don’t bite your skin, so if you’re wondering how do I know if I have dust mites, looking for bites is useless.

    Most people suffer from allergy symptoms or signs similar to allergic reactions. Let’s look at all the ways to figure out how do you know if you have dust mites. There are different ways to kill wood mites as well as dust mites and bed bugs so it’s important to know what you have first to treat them properly.

    What Causes A Dust Allergy

    Despite the name, dust allergies are not caused by dust. Instead, the culprits are dust mites – microscopic organisms that feed on dead skin cells.

    These creatures cause a surprising amount of trouble considering their size. The dead body parts of mites, along with their waste, can trigger allergic reactions throughout the year. It’s estimated over 65 million people suffer from a dust allergy, with symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, a runny nose and .

    The normal way to relieve an allergy is to avoid the allergen. This isn’t possible with a dust allergy, as it’s impossible to get rid of every dust mite in a home. The average person sheds enough skin each day to feed millions of mites – and they are resilient enough to live almost anywhere, including bedding, carpets, and curtains.

    Instead of avoiding dust mites, the best way to relieve symptoms is to reduce the quantity in your home. Here are five tips that can quickly provide relief.

    Here Are Some Ways That You Can Help Manage Dust Allergens In Your Home:

    • Remove wall-to-wall carpets, particularly in the bedroom.
    • Keep pets out of the bedroom.
    • Minimize household humidity.
    • Use “mite-proof” cases on mattresses and pillows and wash bed linens frequently in hot water.
    • Install a high-efficiency media filter in your furnace and air conditioning unit and consider adding an air purifier to those areas of your home where you spend the most time.

    What Causes Allergies To Dust Mites

    Dust mite allergies really are caused by a byproduct of the mites: their feces and decaying bodies. These proteins in mite debris are the primary culprit when it comes to causing allergic reactions.

    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.

    Our patients frequently ask, “What can I do about my dust mite allergy?” Here are three strategies you can use to evict the allergy-inducing intruders from your home and reduce your allergy symptoms.

    1. 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. To clear out as many mites and their debris as possible:

    2. Reduce Humidity and Dust in the Air

    To keep the moisture in the air low, use your air conditioning or a dehumidifier. Humidity levels below about 50 percent are necessary for keeping mites to a minimum; consider using a hygrometer to measure.

    A HEPA filter with a high MERV rating — around 11 or 12 — will help trap a significant amount of dust and keep it out of the air. And be sure to change your filters every three months for maximum effectiveness.

    3. Eliminate Hiding Spots

    How Do You Get Rid Of Dust Mites

    Dust mites are difficult to get rid of completely, but removing as many as possible from your home can help prevent allergic reactions.

    The best way to get rid of dust mites is to target the areas they tend to live in and thrive. These include:

    • bedding
    • blinds and curtains
    • toys and stuffed animals

    Frequent vacuuming, wet mopping, dusting, and washing can all treat dust mites. You don’t need any specialized products. You just need to make sure you wash bedding in hot water and use wet cloths that can properly trap dust when you clean.

    Prevention is key to avoiding allergies, including dust mites. It may be challenging to prevent them altogether, but you can take the following steps to control the dust mite population in your household:

    • Avoid carpeting in your home as much as possible.
    • Vacuum and deep clean all carpet and rugs as often as you can.
    • Dust regularly, paying extra attention to blinds, furniture crevices, and other small areas where dust mites may accumulate.
    • Keep the humidity in your home under 50 percent to ward off the conditions dust mites thrive in.
    • Use certified allergen-capturing filters in all air conditioning units and vacuums to make sure dust mites and their fecal matter are fully captured.
    • Wash all bedding weekly using hot water.
    • Use zippered mattress and pillow covers to prevent dust mites from entering your bedding.

    An Air Purifier Can Help

    Dust mite allergy symptoms

    Now that you know what the top symptoms are for dust allergies, you may be thinking, ‘I’m pretty sure I have it. What can I do about it?’

    If possible, the best thing for you to do is perform a deep cleaning of the area that’s causing you the most problems. Then, add an air purifier to the space.

    What this product does is constantly strips the air of any dust particles and dust mite waste that may try to make their way back into the room.

    Take a look at our article on the best air purifiers for dust mites and why they work so well.

    If you have a dust allergy, this simple device can help you eliminate dust particles and dust mites from your home.

    Having an air purifier in the space that collects the most dust can drastically reduce your allergy issues.

    About Katherine Dyson

    Katherine is the lead Staff Writer. She conducts in-depth research and interviews with industry experts in order to produce a wide range of content for the site. Her main role is to write helpful articles that aid people who are seeking to improve their indoor air quality and comfort.

    Wearing Outside Shoes In The House

    Not only is wearing outside shoes indoors a health risk, but it can also increase allergens. Wet leaves stuck to the bottom of your shoes can bring in mildew, and pollutants from grass often get trapped on the bottom of shoes. Take your shoes off outside, or put them inside a washable tray as soon as you walk in the door. Taking just a few seconds to remove your shoes each time you come in from the outside can reduce allergens in living areas. 

    Can Dust Allergies Lead To Hives And Sore Throat

    Ideally, dust allergy will lead to the above mentioned symptoms, which include:

    • Red and itchy skin
    • Watery eyes
    • Sneezing

    Itchy skin and hives are two different things. If you have itchy skin, you’re likely going to scratch it until it turns red and probably bleeds. But this is not hives .

    A study by the European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation shows that hives can happen, but it’s considered rare.

    Dust Mite Allergy Prevention

    Bedding is the ideal breeding ground for dust mites. It’s usually the perfect temperature and humidity for them, and the people curled up at night provide an unlimited food supply.

    Fortunately, it’s not a losing battle for those with dust mite allergies. You can take the following steps to help make sure your bed stays free of dust mites:

    • Use allergen-proof bed covers on the mattress, box spring, and pillows. Zippered covers are best. Their tightly woven fabric prevents dust mites from getting into beds.
    • Wash all bedding in hot water at least once a week. This includes sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and bed covers. Dry in a hot dryer or in natural sunlight during summer months.

    There are more ways to manage dust mites. Unlike with outside allergens such as pollen, you can keep dust mites under control with a few key steps:

    How To Detect An Allergen And Remove It From Your Home

    editorial processDaniel More, MD

    Daniel More, MD, is a board-certified allergist and clinical immunologist. He is an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and currently practices at Central Coast Allergy and Asthma in Salinas, California.

    Medical Review Board

    An allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction. Some examples of common allergens are dust mites, cat dander, and pollen. Sometimes people can have severe allergic reactions to these substances that can lead to breathing problems and even death. More often, they cause bothersome symptoms such as runny nose, , and fatigue.

    How Can I Get Rid Of Dust Mites

    In most parts of the world, it’s impossible to completely eliminate dust mites from your home. However, you can take steps to minimize your exposure to dust mite allergens by keeping your home as dust-free as possible.

    Vacuuming and dusting are not enough to remove dust mites, because these creatures can live deep inside your upholstery, mattresses, carpets, etc. You can cover mattresses, pillows, and upholstered furniture with zippered dust-proof covers – the material of these covers is designed with pores that are too small for dust mites to pass through. Wash sheets, blankets and other bedding every week in hot water to kill dust mites. Replace carpeting with hard flooring and avoid plush rugs, fabric draperies, and anything else that cannot easily be washed regularly.

    Use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity in your home below 50%, making it a less suitable environment for dust mites.

    Clean hard surfaces with a wet mop or cloth to avoid stirring dry allergens up into the air.

    Use HEPA filters to trap dust mites and other allergens. Change the filters every three months to ensure they remain effective.

     

    Dust Mite Allergy Management And Treatment

    Make changes to your home and to your routine:

    • Remove wall-to-wall carpets, curtains, and drapes particularly in the bedroom.
    • Keep pets out of the bedroom, and preferably out of the house.
    • Minimize household humidity.
    • Use “mite-proof” cases on mattresses and pillows; wash bed linens frequently in hot water.
    • Wear a mask when cleaning
    • Keep the relative humidity in your home less than 50%

    For more information on dust allergy management .

    Find expert care with an allergist who can help diagnose your symptoms, identify their cause and suggest appropriate medications or therapies.

    How To Know If You Have Dust Mites

    This post may contain Amazon affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Do you have any idea of how to know if you have dust mites? I guess you’ll answer , and it’s not your fault.

    Dust mites are invisible monsters that should be dreaded by everyone because of the number of health problems they cause. From allergies to asthmatic attacks, dust mites have been implicated as the culprit behind some of those health conditions that put you under intense distress.

    But how do you know if you have dust mites? Well, the simple answer to this question is that, it is not easy to know if you have dust mites.

    Since they are microscopic , you need something special to make them look bigger or magnified before they can become visible to the ordinary eyes. It is possible to have signs and symptoms that point to the fact that something could be wrong with your health but those symptoms may not be diagnostic or conclusive evidence that what you have are dust mites for sure.

    Diagnoses are not made just by suspicion; there has to be tangible evidence. That is why there should be proof that dust mites are actually responsible for the signs and symptoms you have before you can now figure out how to properly defend yourself against them.

    How Common Are Allergies To House Dust Mite And Pets

    Best

    Allergies to house dust mite and pets are common. Also, in some countries, particularly in the developed world, atopic diseases affect up to 1 in 3 of the population. About 1 in 2 adults with asthma, and about 8 in 10 children with asthma, have an allergic component to their disease.

    House Dust Mite and Pet Allergy


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