Dust Mites and the Allergies They Cause

Tiny insects called dust mites feed on skin flakes and pet dander. Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments, making them a major cause of indoor allergies. Proteins in their feces and corpses trigger allergic reactions in many people. Dust mites have been linked to asthma and eczema attacks.1

Dust mites and spiders share a same phylum (the arthropods). These tiny pests are less than a millimeter in size, making them invisible to the naked eye. Close inspection reveals them to be white, eight-legged beetles.1

Find out more about dust mites, such as their habitat, typical allergy symptoms, and treatment and preventative methods.

Where Dust Mites Live

Dust mites are tiny creatures that thrive in warm and humid indoor environments, particularly in temperatures of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels ranging from 75% to 85%. Although they do not prefer dry climates, they are extremely common and can be found in approximately four out of five homes in the United States.

Dust mites are particularly attracted to areas in your home where you spend a significant amount of time. They tend to settle in soft fabrics and areas with accumulated dust, as these provide them with a source of moisture and nourishment from the dead skin cells that humans shed throughout the day.

Some of the most common areas where you can expect to find dust mites include bedding, such as pillows, blankets, mattresses, and box springs. They can also be found in stuffed furniture, carpets, curtains, drapes, cushions, rugs, and stuffed toys.

Dust Mite Allergy

Dust mite allergies commonly manifest in the home environment or when individuals are exposed to dust mites in someone else’s home. Allergic reactions to dust mites can range from mild to severe, and they are often associated with a condition called allergic rhinitis. When individuals with dust mite allergies inhale proteins found in dust mite waste or dead body parts, they may experience symptoms such as inflammation of the nasal passages, sneezing, and coughing. These symptoms can worsen when dust particles are released into the air during activities like dusting or vacuuming.

Furthermore, dust mites can also trigger exacerbations of certain conditions, including asthma and eczema. For individuals with asthma, exposure to dust mites can lead to asthma attacks and exacerbate the frequency and severity of these attacks. In the case of eczema, a condition characterized by itchy and dry skin, dust mite exposure can provoke flare-ups of symptoms.

Symptoms

Dust mite allergies can manifest through various symptoms, which can vary in severity depending on the frequency of dust mite exposure and the presence of underlying skin, allergic, or respiratory conditions. Some common symptoms associated with dust mite allergies include:

• Sneezing: Dust mite allergens can trigger sneezing, especially when they are inhaled or come into contact with the nasal passages.
• Coughing: Exposure to dust mites can lead to coughing, as the respiratory system reacts to the allergens.
• Runny nose: Dust mite allergies may cause nasal discharge or a runny nose.
• Nasal congestion: Allergic reactions to dust mites can result in nasal congestion, making it difficult to breathe through the nose.
• Irritated, red, watery, or itchy eyes: Dust mite allergens can cause eye symptoms such as redness, irritation, excessive tearing, or itchiness.
• Itchy skin, throat, nose, or mouth: Allergic individuals may experience itchiness in various areas, including the skin, throat, nose, or mouth, as a result of dust mite exposure.
• Sore throat from post-nasal drip: Dust mite allergies can lead to post-nasal drip, where excess mucus drips down the back of the throat, causing a sore throat.
• Wheezing: In some cases, dust mite allergies can trigger wheezing, characterized by a whistling or rattling sound during breathing.
• Chest tightness: Allergic reactions to dust mites may result in a sensation of tightness or discomfort in the chest.
• Shortness of breath: Dust mite allergies can cause difficulty breathing or a feeling of breathlessness.
• Facial pressure: Some individuals may experience facial pressure or pain due to sinus inflammation caused by dust mite allergens.
• Difficulty sleeping: The presence of any of the above symptoms can disrupt sleep, making it difficult to get a restful night’s sleep.

It’s important to note that these symptoms are not exclusive to dust mite allergies and can also be associated with other respiratory or allergic conditions.

Treatment

To effectively manage dust mite allergies, reducing exposure to dust mites is indeed key. Here are some additional measures you can take to minimize your exposure:

• Encase bedding: Use allergen-proof covers for mattresses, pillows, and box springs to create a barrier against dust mites.
• Wash bedding regularly: Wash sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and other bedding in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) to kill dust mites.
• Reduce humidity: Keep indoor humidity levels below 50% by using a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
• Vacuum regularly: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter to remove dust mites and their allergens from carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture.
• Dust surfaces frequently: Dusting with a damp cloth or using electrostatic dusters can help prevent dust mites from spreading.
• Minimize clutter: Reduce the number of items that collect dust, such as stuffed toys, curtains, and unnecessary décor.
• Keep pets out of the bedroom: Pets can carry dust mites and dander, so it’s best to keep them out of sleeping areas.
• Limit carpeting: If possible, replace wall-to-wall carpets with hard flooring surfaces that are easier to clean.
• Use allergen-blocking air filters: Install high-efficiency air filters in your HVAC system to trap dust mite allergens.

By implementing these measures and using appropriate treatments, you can better manage and reduce the symptoms associated with dust mite allergies.

How to Remove Dust Mites

To reduce your exposure to dust mites and minimize their presence in your home, consider implementing the following preventive measures:

• Remove dust mite habitats: Eliminate or reduce areas where dust mites tend to thrive, such as wall-to-wall carpets, heavy drapes, thick rugs, and upholstered furniture. Opt for hard flooring and blinds instead.
• Use dust mite-proof covers: Encase your pillows, mattresses, and box springs with allergen-proof covers designed to keep dust mites out.
• Use HEPA filters: Equip your vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to effectively trap dust mites and their allergens during cleaning.
• Maintain proper ventilation: Regularly open windows to promote air circulation and ventilation in your home, reducing humidity levels and discouraging dust mite growth.
• Dust and vacuum regularly: Use a damp cloth to dust surfaces and a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove dust mites and their allergens from floors, furniture, and curtains on a frequent basis.

A Quick Review

Dust mites are microscopic organisms resembling insects that thrive in indoor environments. These common pests can be found in various areas of homes, such as carpets, bedding, and curtains. Their presence can trigger allergic reactions, including symptoms like sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes. Additionally, exposure to dust mites can worsen asthma symptoms and lead to flare-ups of eczema.

Treatment for dust mite allergies often involves managing the symptoms using medications like decongestants, antihistamines, or nasal corticosteroids. These medications can help alleviate the discomfort caused by allergic reactions. Additionally, taking measures to reduce exposure to dust mites can be beneficial. These measures include removing carpets and heavy drapes, using special pillowcases that prevent mite infestation, regular vacuuming and dusting, and employing high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to purify indoor air.

By combining symptom management and preventive actions, individuals can effectively address dust mite allergies and minimize their impact on overall well-being.