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The Risks of Dust Mite Allergies and What You Can do About Them |
 There are a number of allergies that are caused by creatures such as bees or other bugs that we might encounter in nature. But the allergies from dust mites are not only unpleasant, the idea can be a bit disturbing. Dust mites are little bugs similar to the ones we encounter outdoors. But they are microscopic bugs that can come to live in your home inside rugs, clothing, bedding, chairs and even pillows where you go to sleep.
The idea that these little creatures are lurking in our most private quarters is troubling enough. But knowing that they can also set off some pretty unpleasant allergy symptoms only makes getting rid of dust mite allergies even more urgent.
The symptoms of dust mite allergies vary from person to person. In many people, a dust mite allergy attack might resemble hay fever with the associated sneezing, coughing and runny nose. It is possible to diagnose a dust mite allergy as a cold, which is incorrect. Then when you don't get the rest of the symptoms of the cold, it is easy to feel perplexed. Above all, if you don't recognize the problems you are having as an allergic reaction to dust mites, you might never take appropriate action to get rid of the problem.
But the real risk that you face from a dust mite allergy will become obvious if you have a more serious reaction to this particular allergy problem. Since dust mite allergy symptoms often affect your breathing the most, people who already have difficulties with breathing problems can take a turn for the worse if dust mite allergy symptoms erupt in their lives.
So people with asthma or other respiratory problems are a significant risk from dust mite allergy if they suffer from the problem. The more severe symptoms of dust mite allergies include coughing, problems breathing or getting short of breath, wheezing and asthma attacks. When these allergy symptoms are severe, that can elevate a dust mite allergy from a nuisance to a serious health risk.
Whether the symptoms of dust mite allergies that you suffer are mild or severe, the strategy for fighting back are the same. As is true of any health problem or of any allergy issue that can affect your health, it is always wise to get the opinion of your doctor or allergist. He or she can help you diagnose your dust mite allergy. Your doctor also can help you if you have other respiratory problems by adjusting your medication accordingly.
An aggressive attack plan against dust mites means depriving them of a place in your home to live. That means stepping up your cleaning routines and running your vacuum cleaner and dusting the house much more often. A good way to kick off this war on dust mites is to have your carpets steam cleaned so you wash them out of the carpet and give yourself a fresh start on keeping them out with routine cleaning.
You should also look at other possible places where dust mites might live like the curtains, the bedding and your clothing and give those fabrics a thorough cleaning as well. Any place in the home where there are soft fabrics or cushions such as pillows, chairs, mattresses and other furniture should be candidates for a complete cleaning or replacement. Don’t overlook heirloom items like stuffed animals or fabric wall hangings. The very fact that they are old may make them perfect homes for dust mites.
Finally, since dust mites set off a respiratory type of allergic reaction, using a good air purifier is always a good move. Have the vents of your home cleaned and install clean filters regularly to cut down on the ways that dust mites can get access to the humans living in the home.
This is one case where becoming obsessive about cleaning is entirely justified. If that obsession results in a clean home where dust mites cannot cause allergies in you or your family, that extra effort will have been entirely worth it.
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