Dust mite allergy is an allergic reaction to tiny bugs that commonly live in house dust.
Signs of dust mite allergy include those common to hay fever, such as sneezing and runny nose.
Many people with dust mite allergy also experience signs of asthma, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Dust mites, close relatives of ticks and spiders, are too small to see without a microscope.
Dust mites eat skin cells shed by people, and they thrive in warm, humid environments.
Medications or other treatments are sometimes necessary to relieve symptoms and manage asthma.
A mild case of dust mite allergy may cause an occasional runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing.
Sometimes it’s difficult to know whether you have a cold or an allergy.
If symptoms persist for longer than one week, you might have an allergy.
If your signs and symptoms are severesuch as severe nasal congestion, wheezing, or difficulty sleepingcall your doctor.
Prolonged or regular exposure to the allergen can cause the ongoing (chronic) inflammation associated with asthma.
Your doctor may suspect dust mite allergy based on symptoms and your answers to questions about your home.
Allergy skin test.Your doctor may suggest an allergy skin test to determine what you’re allergic to.
You may be referred to an allergy specialist (allergist) for this test.
This is usually carried out on the forearm, but it may be done on the upper back.
Your doctor or nurse observes your skin for signs of allergic reactions after 15 minutes.
The most common side effects of these skin tests are itching and redness.
These side effects usually go away within 30 minutes.
This test may also indicate how sensitive you are to an allergen.
The first treatment for controlling dust mite allergy is avoiding dust mites as much as possible.
However, it’s impossible to completely eliminate dust mites from your environment.
You may also need medications to control symptoms.
These drugs relieve itching, sneezing, and runny nose.
Prescription antihistamines taken as a nasal spray include azelastine (Astelin, Astepro) and olopatadine (Patanase).
Corticosteroidsdelivered as a nasal spray can reduce inflammation and control symptoms of hay fever.
Decongestantscan help shrink swollen tissues in your nasal passages and make it easier to breathe through your nose.
Some over-the-counter allergy tablets combine an antihistamine with a decongestant.
In men with an enlarged prostate, the drug can worsen the condition.
Talk to your doctor about whether you’re able to safely take a decongestant.
Over-the-counter decongestants taken as a nasal spray may briefly reduce allergy symptoms.
Leukotriene modifiersblock the action of certain immune system chemicals.
Your doctor may prescribe the leukotriene modifier montelukast (Singulair), which comes in tablet form.
Possible side effects of montelukast include upper respiratory infection, headache, and fever.
Less common side effects include behavior or mood changes, such as anxiousness or depression.
Preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together.
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions.
Your doctor may ask:
The impact of a pollen allergy may be noticeable because the allergy is seasonal.
For example, you may have more difficulty managing your asthma for a short time during the summer.
Avoiding exposure to dust mites is the best strategy for controlling dust mite allergy.
Heres how:
Updated: 2017-05-11
Publication Date: 2006-11-08
