Dust Mite Allergy

A dust mite allergy is when you have an allergic reaction to dust mites. Dust mites are tiny, eight-legged relatives of spiders. They’re too small to see with your eyes. They live on bedding, mattresses, carpets, curtains, fabrics and dust. They feed on the dead skin cells that you and your pets shed.

Dust mites aren’t like spiders or some other bugs that can cause an allergic reaction when they bite or sting. They can’t bite. But they have proteins in their poop and dead bodies. Usually, these substances (allergens) are harmless. But in some people, their immune system overreacts when it encounters them. It views the substances as harmful “invaders” and responds with allergic reactions to get them out of your body.

Dust mite allergies are common — about 20 million people in the U.S. have them. Anyone can have a dust mite allergy.

What are the symptoms of a dust mite allergy?

Common dust mite allergy symptoms include:

• Congestion
• Cough
• Itchy mouth, nose or throat
• Mucus that drips into your throat (postnasal drip)
• Red, itchy and watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Trouble breathing, usually with a whistling or gasping sound (wheezing)
• Worsening asthma symptoms, including problems breathing and tightness in your chest

Causes

If you have a dust mite allergy, your immune system responds by making immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE is a type of antibody. It helps remove harmful substances from your body. Your body makes many different types of IgE. The different types target specific allergens. IgE travels to mast cells, which contain histamine.

The next time you encounter dust mite allergens, the IgE attaches to the allergen. It then tells the mast cells to release histamine and other chemicals. Histamine causes your sudden allergy symptoms. Your symptoms usually develop within a few minutes.

Risk factors

You may be more likely to have a dust mite allergy if you have:

• Asthma
• Atopy
• Eczema
• Hay fever

How can you tell if you’re allergic to dust mites?

If you have symptoms, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider. They may ask questions about your health history and symptoms, like:

• What are your symptoms?
• Do you take any over-the-counter (OTC) medications to feel better?
• Do you have a biological family history of dust mite allergies?
• Has a provider ever diagnosed you with other allergies?
• Do you spend a lot of time in dusty areas?
• How often do you vacuum your carpets, wash your bedding and clean other surface areas?

If they suspect you have dust mite allergies, they may recommend allergy testing.

How do you treat dust mite allergies?

Your healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications to treat your symptoms. These may include:

• Antihistamines: These block antihistamines to relieve sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose. There are different types, which you may take as a pill, nasal spray or eye drops. They work quickly.
• Nasal corticosteroids: These decrease inflammation and nasal conditions. They can also help relieve itchy eyes. They work quickly.
• Oral or nasal decongestants: These quickly help relief a stuffy nose. You shouldn’t use them over a long period.

Your provider may also recommend:

• Allergy shots: These help “train” your immune system not to react to dust mite allergens. It may take up to a year of regular shots before your symptoms improve.
• Allergy drops: You place small doses of dust mite protein drops under your tongue every day. Your body eventually stops reacting to dust mite proteins. Your symptoms should start to improve after about six months.

Unlike medications, these treatments offer the chance of a long-term decrease in symptoms. Allergy shots may even cure your dust mite allergies.

Does cetirizine help?

Yes. Cetirizine (Zyrtec®) is a type of antihistamine. It helps treat allergy symptoms like itchy eyes, stuffy nose and sneezing.

Other examples of second-generation antihistamines that help treat dust mite allergy symptoms include:

• Fexofenadine (Allegra®)
• Levocetirizine (Xyzal®)

How long does it last?

Once you’re no longer around dust mite allergens, your symptoms usually go away after a few hours. If you have severe allergies, your symptoms may last for a few days.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

You may confuse a dust mite allergy with other conditions that have similar symptoms. This includes the flu or the common cold. If you’re not sure what’s causing your symptoms and they affect your quality of life, reach out to a provider. They can help determine the cause of your symptoms.

During your appointment, you may want to ask the following questions:

• How will you diagnose dust mite allergies?
• What medications do you recommend?
• Do I need a prescription?
• What are the side effects of your recommended allergy medications?
• Should I take medications every day or only when I have symptoms?
• How do I know when I have an allergic reaction to dust mites or cold or flu symptoms?
• Can you refer me to an allergist?

What can I expect if I have dust mite allergies?

Dust mite allergies can be annoying. But that doesn’t mean you have to put up with your symptoms. Avoiding dust mite allergens and taking medications can help manage your allergy symptoms. Allergy shots offer a potential cure.

How to get rid of dust mites

You can help avoid dust mite exposure in your home by:

• Using allergy-proof bedding and plastic covers: These help prevent dust mites on your pillows, mattresses and box springs.
• Regularly washing your bedding: Wash your bedding once a week in hot water. After washing, put them in the clothes dryer at the hottest setting for at least 30 minutes.
• Reducing the humidity in your home: Use dehumidifiers or air conditioners to help keep the humidity in your home below 50%. Dust mites reproduce in humid conditions.
• Replacing flooring: Remove wall-to-wall carpet and replace with smooth-surfaced floors, like tile, wood, laminate or linoleum.
• Vacuuming regularly: Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture and other surfaces at least twice a week. It’s best to use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. It’s also a good idea to wear a mask while you vacuum.
• Wiping down hard surfaces regularly: Use a microfiber cloth or a wet cloth to wipe down surfaces so you don’t stir up allergens.