Living with a dust allergy is no easy task. Several changes in daily habits are needed. In this article we tell what this disorder consists of and what are the best measures to deal with it.
When we talk about dust allergy, we are referring to allergy to dust mites that live in dust. You are not allergic to the dust itself, but to those tiny insects that live among its particles.
For those who suffer from it it is difficult to live with this condition on a daily basis. To cope with it, you need to make some changes in your daily habits.
If you want to improve the quality of your life, in this article you will find some measures to live with the dust allergy . Take note!
What are mites?
Dust mites are tiny organisms that are only visible through the microscope. They have a great ability to proliferate in different areas, especially in very favorable conditions.
These beings thrive in relatively high humidity and need warm temperatures to survive. They are therefore more frequent in tropical coastal areas and less present in mountain environments.
The best seasons for them are transitional seasons, such as autumn and spring. It is for this reason that those who are allergic to dust can see their condition aggravated at both times of the year. The exacerbation is often falsely attributed to an alleged increase in dust in the environment .
Dust allergy symptoms
Those who suffer from this disorder, in addition to learning to live with it, must learn to recognize and treat the resulting symptoms. This allergy can take on three clinical manifestations:
- Conjunctivitis . It is the inflammation of the ocular conjunctiva. Symptoms are watery eyes, itchy eyes, and swollen eyelids. Vision is impaired due to inflammation and the eye turns red.
- Rhinitis . It is the inflammation of the lining of the nose. When there is rhinitis, there is a runny nose called rhinorrhea, nasal itching and sneezing. According to an article in the Journal of the Bolivian Society of Pediatrics , it manifests as clear, clear, runny mucus. This condition can also obstruct the upper airways, making it temporarily difficult to breathe.
- Asthma . The most severe form of dust allergy is allergic asthma. The bronchi close to react to the external agent and the individual suffers from dyspnea, or shortness of breath. A bronchial whistling accompanies asthma, like a characteristic sound of breathing.
Measures to be taken to live with dust allergy
Living with a dust allergy requires precise changes in the environment. In the case of children, the parents will have to cherish it in order to calm the allergy. The general measures to live with this condition are:
- Do not raise dust during cleaning . For this purpose, it is best to carry out household chores with damp rags.
- Bring dust-proof bed linen . There are pillowcases and mattress covers made with special materials that repel dust and prevent the proliferation of mites.
- Change the sheets once a week. They must be washed with hot water in order to eliminate the mites more easily.
- Reduce the humidity . A dehumidifier is a good option for people allergic to dust. The aim is to reduce the humidity of the environment to less than half.
- Use the vacuum cleaner . Part of the cleaning routine should include using the vacuum cleaner . If your device has a microfilter or a HEPA (high efficiency) filter, even better.
- Avoid carpets . If the allergic person’s home has carpets, it is best to remove them. The carpets, due to their humidity and temperature, are the ideal place for the proliferation of mites.
- Washable soft toys for children . Toys can carry mites. The object most prone to their proliferation is the soft toy. Therefore, stuffed animals that cannot be washed with hot water should be avoided.
Medical treatments
In addition to the measures to be taken in the environment to live with dust allergy, when you suffer from this disease, it is very likely that the specialist will prescribe some drugs. These are not drugs for continuous use , but they can be used for a long time.
According to a Mayo Clinic publication , medical treatments to improve dust allergy symptoms include:
- Antihistamines . Medicines such as loratadine or diphenhydramine reduce the production of the substances that trigger the allergic reaction in the human body.
- Corticosteroids . Oral sprays, such as nasal sprays or asthma inhalers, are also a therapeutic option. Among them are betamethasone, dexamethasone, prednisone and fluticasone.
- Decongestants . To manage the symptoms of rhinitis, the doctor may prescribe decongestants in combination with an antihistamine . They cannot be used for a long time; however, they help relieve symptoms more quickly.
- Immunotherapy . When a dust allergy is diagnosed, your doctor might suggest immunization therapy. It consists in the systematic application of vaccines with low doses of substances for mites. Vaccines are given for a few years until the body gets used to what is causing the allergy.
Conclusions
There are several alternatives to calm and prevent dust allergy symptoms. We know it is very difficult to have a completely clean home, but by following these tips and making some changes to your habits, you will enjoy a better quality of life . What are you waiting for to try them?
