The best way to keep mite allergy under control is to avoid humidity and dust in the house. Although it is impossible to completely eliminate these insects, dry and clean environments prevent their indiscriminate proliferation.
Mite allergy is one of the most common in the world today. It is not easy to manage, as mites are mainly found in dust and this, in turn, is everywhere. Keeping this problem under control, therefore, will require continuous effort.
Mite allergy is manifested by sneezing, watery eyes, itchy nose, and even adverse reactions on the skin. Nowadays, this type of allergy is believed to have a greater impact on problems like asthma, even than other substances like pollen.
It is virtually impossible to get rid of mites from your home or workplace. However, there is ample evidence that, with some basic measures, mite allergy can be kept under control and symptoms can be minimized.
Mites
Mites are microscopic animals of the arachnid family that are found in various environments. The presence of dust mites is the main trigger of allergy in humans. Between 10 and 20% of the population is believed to be sensitive to these organisms.
They are found mainly in hot and humid environments . Dust mites feed mainly on human or animal skin. Humans shed about one gram of skin per day.
Mite allergy is triggered by the droppings these animals leave on our skin , or even by the dead mites that remain there. These intruders mainly nest in objects made of fabric or textile fibers, such as pillows, mattresses, upholstered furniture, carpets, curtains, etc.
Allergy to mites
Mite allergy is an immune reaction to these insects . The manifestations of this allergy are similar to those of allergic rhinitis or hay fever. These include sneezing and mucus dripping. Asthma-like symptoms, such as wheezing or difficulty breathing, may also appear.
Likewise, it is common to have nasal congestion , itchy nose, ears or throat, eye irritation, swollen eyelids, hives, and a cough. Symptoms of rhinitis occur mainly in the early morning hours.
Mite allergy can have different levels of intensity. In its milder forms, it causes only slight nasal congestion and watery eyes from time to time. When the allergy is severe, symptoms are constantly present and are often associated with asthma .
Causes and risk factors
Allergy is an immune response to an external agent. In these cases, the immune system produces antibodies to defend the body against this agent. This system identifies the agent as a damaging factor, although in reality it is not.
The substance that causes the allergy is called an allergen. When it comes into contact with the body, it responds by inflaming the nose and lungs. If you are in constant contact with the allergen, the inflammation also becomes continuous and can lead to asthma.
People with a family history of allergy are more likely to develop a mite allergy. Even children and young people, especially if they live in a very dusty environment. The problem is detected by allergy skin tests or blood tests aimed at detecting allergies.
Other facts to consider about mite allergy
The best strategy to combat mite allergy is to minimize exposure to them. To do this, the necessary measures must be taken to remove dust as much as possible. It is best to use a damp cloth to clean the dust, as this prevents it from spreading into the environment.
Upholstered furniture, carpets, curtains, etc. should be vacuumed regularly. The vacuum cleaner must have a suitable filter to remove the dust thoroughly. The best thing, in any case, is to keep order and not to accumulate objects so that the dust cannot accumulate.
It is not recommended to have rugs if anyone in the house has a mite allergy. However, it is preferable to wash the bed linen once a week and choose hypoallergenic pillows and bedspreads.
In some cases, the doctor will prescribe treatment. It typically includes antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroids, and the like. The doctor may also recommend immunotherapy treatment.
