This ‘mite’ be the answer to your dust mite allergy
Posted: 16th March 2022 | Posted by Costa
This ‘mite’ be the answer to your dust mite allergy
It’s that time of year: spring cleaning season. An excuse to get rid of the old, especially after the holiday season. So people up and down the country will be donning the marigolds and scrubbing every inch of their home.
Spring cleaning isn’t just good for keeping everything tidy. It’s a great way to get rid of any allergens lying around. Dust that aggravates the senses or maybe even some left over pollen on a high shelf somewhere. But do you know something that’s always overlooked? A dust mite allergy. These near-invisible creatures could be causing allergy issues and you don’t even know it.
What are dust mites?
We’re not the only ones living in our homes. Many bugs like to hide in crevices and between walls. And dust mites are no different. They’re incredibly small – invisible to the human eye. But these small creatures can still play havoc with our allergies.
Dust mites thrive in room temperatures and humid environments. So in our homes, they like to hide in our carpets, furniture, and bedding. Places where we spend most of our time and likely put our head near.
Symptoms of a dust mite allergy
What causes an allergic reaction isn’t just the bugs themselves, but also their droppings. And if they die in low-humid environments, their body can still set us off.
Symptoms you might experience if you’re allergic aren’t too dissimilar to hay fever:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes
- Itchy skin
- Coughing
If its a severe reaction, it can also trigger asthma or asthma-like symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness around the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing and wheezing
What can you do?
This might all sound a bit gross. Because it kind of is. But it’s also a part of life that you can’t really avoid. Though there are steps you can take to alleviate some of the suffering.
Since dust mites thrive in your home when left unattended, the simplest trick is to increase how often you clean. For your bedding, consider washing it weekly at a high temperature. A dehumidifier might also help as it’ll make your home a less inviting place. And if you’re thinking about redecorating any time soon, maybe ditch the carpet. Failing that, vacuum daily.
A dust mite allergy is a difficult one to tackle given how small the creatures are. But with some diligent cleaning and an allergy test to confirm your suspicions, you can take steps to make your life that much more comfortable.
If you’re looking for a specialist to guide you through your allergy woes, get in touch with us. Sign up as a new patient or reach out on 02031 433 449.