The allergy to the dust isabove all, allergy at particles and stool that detach the mites of dust, insects that live in the warmest, most humid areas with the greatest accumulation of dust in the home such as bedding, carpets, mattresses or furniture. Dust mites feed on human skin scales, animals, insect remains, and fungi. It is estimated that dust allergy affects at least 25 percent of the population and the first symptoms are usually experienced during childhood.
Causes of dust allergy
Substances released by dust mites
The mites are some insects microscopic of the spider and tick family and are often the cause of allergic rhinitis, asthma, conjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis. There are many species but those of greatest interest are:
– Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. It prefers humid and temperate climates although it is found throughout the world and is the dominant mite in homes. The female lives for about 70 days and can lay about 120 eggs.
Dermatophagoides farinae. It is common in continental and arid areas. The female lives for about 70 days and lays about 80 eggs.
– Blomia tropicalis. They feed on human epithelial cells and prefer areas with temperatures around 25ºC and humidity of 75 percent. Autumn is a time of concentration of this mite. The female lives about 58 days and lays about 28 eggs.
– Dermatophagoides microceras. Similar to Dermatophagoides farinae. It is present in house dust and the female lives for about 100 days, laying about 61 eggs.
– Euroglyphus maynei. It is one of the most abundant species and is very common in Spain and, above all, with a cosmopolitan distribution. The female lays about 84 eggs.
– Acarus siro. Very common in stored products such as flour, cereals, legumes, seeds… It is resistant to low temperatures. The female can lay up to 300 eggs.
– Glycyphagus domesticus. It is in foods and grains and in house dust. It lives at temperatures between 10ºC and 15ºC with humidity above 87 percent.
– Lepidoglyphus destructor. Common in temperate climates and is found in stored products and household dust. The female lives for about 25 days and lays about 130 eggs.
– Tyrophagus putrescentiae. Common in stored products and in kitchens and bathrooms. It is cosmopolitan. The female lives for about 20 days and can lay about 380 eggs.
The cause of dust allergy is the reaction of the immune system that generates antibodies against allergens (foreign substances), which causes an inflammatory response in the nasal passages and lungs that can end up leading to asthma.
The following are risk factors for developing dust allergies:
– Have a family history.
– Habitual exposure to dust mites.
Symptoms of dust allergy
Red eyes and sneezing
The most common symptoms of dust mite allergy are:
– Sneezing.
– Runny and runny nose.
– Red, watery or itchy eyes.
– Nasal congestion.
– Itching in the nose, eyes, palate or throat.
– Cough.
– Blue and inflamed skin under the eyes.
Diagnosis of dust allergy
Various tests
The allergist will perform skin tests by introducing small amounts of allergen extracts to observe the reaction in the skin that, when sensitive to an allergen, becomes inflamed, red and itchy. Blood tests may also be performed to look for specific antibodies.
Dust allergy treatment and medication
Various options
The first measure of treatment for allergies to dust or dust mites is to try to eliminate the mites in the home. Additionally, medications such as antihistamines can be prescribed either orally, such as fexofenadine or loratadine, or in the form of a nasal spray such as azelastine or olopatadine.
Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation, and decongestants can make breathing through the nose easier by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. The latter cannot be prescribed in cases of high blood pressure or enlarged prostate, so nasal irrigation with salt water is usually recommended to expel mucus.
Another approach is immunotherapy, which consists of “training” the immune system to desensitize it to the allergen. It is done through a series of vaccines that expose the patient to very small doses of the allergen once or twice a week for up to six months. Treatment must be maintained for three to five years.
Dust allergy prevention
Eliminate mites in the home
Prevention measures against dust allergies are based, above all, on eliminating dust mites in the home:
– Washing the bedding every week at a temperature of 60ºC and drying it completely at a good temperature.
– Maintaining the humidity level in the home below 50 percent.
– Avoid using materials that easily collect dust in decoration and home textiles.
– Use allergen-proof bedding, if there are people allergic to dust at home.
– Remove household dust with damp cloths and then dry.
– Do not use rugs.
– Washable stuffed animals.
– Vacuum upholstery and floors daily using a vacuum cleaner with a double-layer bag or a HEPA particulate filter.
– Allow sunlight to enter during the maximum hours of the day and ventilate often.
– Install particle filters in the air conditioning and boiler. Change the filter every three months.
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