Unseen, tiny insects cause allergic reactions for many people suffering from a dust allergy. On the surface, your house may look clean, but these bugs live in carpets, bedsheets and rugs. They thrive in temperatures between about 65 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit and prefer humid environments.
Dust can get trapped deep into the fibres of our home textiles. They consume human skin cells and absorb moisture from the air. Dust mites can often be found in large numbers in our bedrooms. Pleasant humid temperature with lots of places to hide is an ideal environment for these mites.
Dust allergies are one of the most common forms of allergies. While some people might experience mild dust allergies, others can have more severe dust allergy symptoms. This forces people to look for dust allergy treatment at home. If you find that your allergies are triggered when cleaning your home, you may have a dust allergy.
In this blog, we will discuss how dust mites can cause an allergic reaction and what are some home remedies for dust allergy.
Allergic to Dust or Dust Mites?
Many people may not know this, but the byproduct of dust mites actually causes dust allergy. As these mites eat, reproduce and decompose, they leave foreign material around our home. Protein which exists in mite debris is the primary cause of all allergic reactions. When these proteins enter our bodies, our immune system responds by producing antibodies. You also experience an inflammatory response that can affect your lungs and nasal passages. With continuing exposure to a triggering allergen, such as dust mites, you can develop chronic inflammation that’s related to asthma.
Symptoms of Dust Allergy
Dust allergy can cause inflation in our nasal passages. These can cause symptoms such as:
- Sneezing
- Red or watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Cough
- Facial pressure and pain
- Swollen, blue-coloured skin under your eyes
If your dust allergy is causing asthma, then it can lead to additional symptoms like:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest tightness or pain
- An audible whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling
- Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
Dust Proof Your Home
The best dust allergy cure is to ensure that no dust mites can survive in your house. You may consider taking an antihistamine for dust allergy. These help suppress the reaction to allergens, but only for a short time till you need to retake them. This way, antihistamines are an immediate dust allergy treatment at home. Since dust allergy can occur all year round, the best dust allergy treatment is removing the allergens altogether from your home.
1- Use Dust Mite-Proof Bed Covers, Pillow Covers and Mattresses
Dust Mite Proof Bed Covers, Pillow Covers and Mattresses are made from tightly woven fabrics. This prevents dust from getting in and settling down into your bed. Foam mattresses are also ideal as they do not have any spaces under them like spring mattresses which have plenty of space for dust, skin cells and dust mites to build up over time.
2- Use an Air Purifier
One crucial step you can take towards allergen-proofing your home is to use an air purifier. Ideally, you should get on with a HEPA filter, as these tend to be the most effective. An air purifier will circulate the air through a filtration system, removing any airborne waste products such as dust mite debris. Remember to change your air filters every 3 to 4 months.
3- Dehumidifier
As mentioned previously, dust mites just love humidity. A dehumidifier can further help you eliminate allergens. Humidity levels below about 50 % are necessary for keeping mites to a minimum – consider using a hygrometer to measure.
4-Vaccum Frequently
Dust mites like to live on the carpet. Think about switching it in your room with washable area rugs and hardwood floors. If you do want to keep the carpet in your room, choose a low-pile kind since they store fewer allergens. Every week, clean it with a HEPA-filtered vacuum and two bags. While vacuuming, put on a dust mask to prevent inhaling airborne dust.
5- Dryer for Clothes
Although most American homes have a dryer for their clothes, many European households still use a drying rack to dry their clothes. This not only allows moisture to enter your surroundings but also can become an easy target for dust mites to settle in. A dryer can quickly remove all the moisture from your clothes without making your home any more humid.
6- Eliminate Hiding Spots
All these steps are necessary to eliminate any hiding spots in which dust mites could thrive. Further steps you can take are limiting the number of stuffed toys and furniture with fabrics on them. Choose flooring materials over carpets and rugs. Instead of curtains and drapes, opt for window shades. Lastly, whenever you can, always choose washable fabrics.
Dust Allergy Cure
If you think you suffer from a dust allergy, you should first consult a doctor. They can help diagnose your exact issue. You may have to undergo some blood tests to find out the cause of your symptoms. Once an allergen has been identified, you may be prescribed an antihistamine for dust allergy. These tend to come in the form of dust allergy tablets like Fexofenadine, Cetirizine, Loratadine and Piriton. However, as noted above, it is not a dust allergy cure. If your dust allergy is particularly severe, you may need immunotherapy, also known as Allergy Shots, which are given every couple of weeks and eventually once a month.
IQ Doctor
If you are looking for pharmaceutical options for the best allergy medicine for pollen, IQ Doctor is the place for you. It is a UK pharmacy fully licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to sell medicines online. IQ Doctor offers its customers a wide variety of antihistamines and pollen allergy medications. You can visit their website and get a free consultation with a medical professional to determine what medicine may be suitable for you. Once you place your order, the medication will be shipped to you right away.
