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House Dust Mite Allergy: Symptoms & Treatment

House dust mite allergy is one of the most common allergic conditions, triggered by proteins found in mite droppings. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, and asthma.

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Things worth knowing about "House Dust Mite Allergy"

House dust mite allergy is one of the most common allergic conditions, triggered by proteins found in mite droppings. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, and asthma.

What Is a House Dust Mite Allergy?

A house dust mite allergy is an allergic reaction triggered by tiny proteins found in the droppings and body fragments of house dust mites. These microscopic creatures belong to the arachnid family and thrive in warm, humid indoor environments such as mattresses, pillows, carpets, and upholstered furniture. The allergy is one of the most prevalent allergic conditions worldwide and a leading cause of perennial allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Causes

The allergy develops when the immune system mistakenly identifies mite-derived proteins as harmful and produces Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in response. Upon re-exposure, these antibodies trigger the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine, leading to the characteristic allergy symptoms.

Major allergens: proteins in mite feces (e.g., Der p 1 and Der f 1)
Common habitats: bedding, upholstered furniture, rugs, soft toys
Risk factors: high indoor humidity, warm temperatures, and genetic predisposition

Symptoms

Because house dust mites are present year-round indoors, symptoms of house dust mite allergy tend to be persistent rather than seasonal. Common symptoms include:

Allergic rhinitis: sneezing, runny or blocked nose
Allergic conjunctivitis: red, itchy, or watery eyes
Asthma: wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing
Eczema: itchy skin rashes, especially in individuals with atopic dermatitis
Symptoms often worsen in the morning or shortly after waking up

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is typically made by an allergist using one or more of the following tests:

Skin prick test: a small amount of mite allergen is applied to the skin; a wheal reaction confirms sensitization
Specific IgE blood test: measures mite-specific IgE antibodies in the blood
Nasal provocation test: used in selected cases to confirm clinically relevant sensitization

Treatment

Allergen Avoidance

Reducing exposure to house dust mite allergens is the first and most important step in managing the allergy:

Using allergen-impermeable mattress and pillow covers (encasings)
Washing bed linen regularly at a minimum of 60 °C (140 °F)
Removing carpets and replacing them with hard flooring where possible
Maintaining low indoor humidity and regular ventilation

Pharmacological Treatment

Medications are used to relieve symptoms and control inflammation:

Antihistamines: reduce itching, sneezing, and nasal discharge
Intranasal corticosteroids: effective for reducing nasal inflammation
Bronchodilators: used for asthmatic symptoms to open the airways
Decongestants: provide short-term relief of nasal congestion

Allergen Immunotherapy (Desensitization)

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT), also known as desensitization or allergy vaccination, is the only disease-modifying treatment for house dust mite allergy. It involves the administration of gradually increasing doses of the mite allergen over several years, either as subcutaneous injections or sublingual tablets. The goal is to induce long-lasting immune tolerance to the allergen and reduce the severity of allergic reactions.

References

Worm M. et al. - Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Treatment of House Dust Mite Allergy. Allergo Journal International, 2019.
World Health Organization (WHO) - Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) Guidelines, 2023. Available at: https://www.who.int
Valenta R. et al. - From Allergen Genes to Allergy Vaccines. Annual Review of Immunology, 2010.

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