Dust Mite Allergy
Information on the causes, symptoms, and most effective treatments for the abnormal immune response to microorganisms that live in household dust.
Symptoms and Causes
Dust mite allergy, commonly referred to as mite allergy, is an abnormal and excessive response of the immune system to microorganisms present in the home environment. In individuals with this type of allergy, the body mistakenly identifies these microorganisms as harmful agents, when in fact they are harmless to humans (allergens).
Although they are so small that they cannot be seen without a microscope, dust mites are present in almost every area of a home (duvets, blankets, carpets, pillows, bedding, upholstery), making exposure difficult to control. These microorganisms feed on dead skin cells shed by humans and pets.
In Spain, this is one of the most common allergies, as dust mites reproduce more effectively in mild temperatures, between 20 and 30 °C, and at humidity levels between 65% and 80%. It is estimated to affect approximately 30% of the population, with a higher incidence in the humid northern provinces.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of dust mite allergy affect different organs:
- Rhinitis: runny nose, congestion, inflammation of the nasal mucosa.
- Sneezing.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that covers the inner surface of the eyelids and the sclera.
- Redness and itching of the eyes.
- Watery eyes.
- Eczema.
- Dry cough.
- Shortness of breath.
- Sensation of chest tightness.
- Wheezing: whistling sounds in the chest.
Causes
Dust mite allergy, like other allergies, develops when the immune system identifies these microorganisms as potentially dangerous agents. As a result, it reacts by producing antibodies to attack them.
Risk Factors
The risk of developing dust mite allergy is higher in the following cases:
- Age: it is more common in children and young adults.
- Asthma: it is estimated that 90% of patients with this condition develop this type of allergy.
- Exposure to dust mites, which is virtually unavoidable.
- Family history of allergy.
Complications
Dust mite allergy may cause complications such as:
- Chronic symptoms.
- Sinusitis: inflammation of the paranasal sinuses as a result of persistent inflammation.
- Worsening of asthma or difficulty controlling symptoms.
- Atopic dermatitis: skin dryness, itching, and inflammation.
Prevention
Although dust mite allergy cannot be prevented, symptoms can be reduced by following these measures:
- Ventilate rooms daily, especially the bedroom.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust, preferably equipped with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter capable of trapping very small particles.
- Use synthetic bedding.
- Wash bedding weekly at high temperatures.
- Cover the mattress with anti-dust mite covers.
- Remove carpets, rugs, and heavy curtains.
Which specialist treats dust mite allergy?
Dust mite allergy is a condition managed within the field of allergology.
Diagnosis
The diagnostic process for dust mite allergy usually follows these steps:
- Medical history: all information regarding the patient’s medical and family history is collected, and symptoms are evaluated. This information helps specialists suspect the presence of an allergy.
- Physical examination: the condition of the nasal mucosa may be assessed to determine whether inflammation is present.
- Skin allergy tests: so-called prick tests involve applying a small amount of allergens to the forearm, using a slight prick to allow penetration into the skin, and waiting to observe the body’s reaction.
- Blood tests: used to detect specific antibodies against dust mites.
- Allergen microarrays: a type of molecular diagnostic test in which a blood sample is placed on a chip containing multiple allergens to identify the specific components to which the patient is allergic.
Treatment
There is no cure for dust mite allergy; therefore, treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and improving patients’ quality of life.
Once the allergy has been diagnosed, the patient should adopt all feasible preventive measures. In addition, the following therapies are commonly used:
- Medication: the most effective drugs include:
- Antihistamines: block the substances released by the body in response to an allergen (histamine), thereby relieving nasal itching, runny nose, and sneezing.
- Decongestants: reduce inflammation and facilitate breathing.
- Corticosteroids: unlike the previous medications, these are administered by inhalation. They help reduce inflammation, congestion, and itching.
- Immunotherapy: vaccination against dust mite allergy consists of administering a drug containing a small amount of dust mite allergens in order to reduce the immune system’s response to this allergen. Multiple doses are usually required to achieve immunological tolerance.
