House dust allergy

Face | Allergy & Immunology | House dust allergy (Disease)


Description

Many people sneeze or sniffle in dusty areas, and its no wonder. The ingredients of house dust that can cause allergic reaction include molds, pet and human dander, and cockroach waste. However, the dust mite - found in ordinary house dust - plays the most significant role in all the sniffling and sneezing.

Causes and Risk factors

The dust mite is a microscopic, spider-like creature which is found in homes. It is primarily in carpets, mattresses and upholstered furniture and thrives in humid and warm conditions. The dust mite feeds on shed scales from human skin! The waste products produced by these mites are highly allergenic. These waste products continue to cause allergic symptoms even after the mite that produced them has died.

The greatest numbers of dust mites can be found in carpets, which provide the best conditions (warmth, humidity and food) for their growth. Mites are also present in mattresses, pillows, blankets, upholstered furniture, curtains and similar fabrics. Female mites can lay 25 to 50 eggs, with a new generation produced every three weeks. It is therefore easy to see why carpets may contain such large numbers of living and dead mites.

Diagnosis and Treatment

There are lots of allergy treatment options. Over-the-counter and prescription medications can ease annoying symptoms. Allergy shots can be also of help. ...