Allergy to dust and house mites: how to treat it? - briefly
Effective management starts with minimizing exposure by frequent vacuuming with HEPA filters, washing bedding in hot water, using allergen‑impermeable covers, and keeping indoor humidity below 50 %. Pharmacologic options include antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids, while specific immunotherapy offers long‑term symptom reduction for persistent cases.
Allergy to dust and house mites: how to treat it? - in detail
Dust mite allergy results from immune reactions to proteins found in the feces and bodies of microscopic arthropods that inhabit household fabrics. Symptoms typically include nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, cough, and, in severe cases, asthma exacerbations. Effective management requires a combination of environmental control, pharmacotherapy, and immunological interventions.
Environmental control reduces allergen exposure. Strategies include:
- Washing bed linens weekly in water ≥ 60 °C; using allergen‑impermeable covers for mattresses, pillows, and duvets.
- Removing carpets, wall-to-wall rugs, and upholstered furniture where feasible; replacing them with hard‑surface flooring and washable curtains.
- Maintaining indoor humidity below 50 % with dehumidifiers or air‑conditioning; this limits mite reproduction.
- Vacuuming with a high‑efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter on a regular schedule; cleaning upholstery and stuffed toys with steam or by freezing for 24 hours.
- Reducing clutter that collects dust, such as bookshelves and decorative items.
Pharmacological treatment addresses acute and chronic symptoms. Common options are:
- Intranasal corticosteroids – first‑line for persistent rhinitis; they reduce mucosal inflammation and nasal congestion.
- Oral antihistamines – second‑generation agents relieve itching, sneezing, and rhinorrhea without causing sedation.
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists – useful adjuncts for patients with concurrent asthma.
- Short‑acting β2‑agonists – provide rapid bronchodilation during asthma attacks triggered by mite exposure.
- Nasal saline irrigation – clears allergen particles and mucus, improving mucociliary clearance.
Immunotherapy offers long‑term disease modification. Subcutaneous or sublingual allergen extracts administered over several years induce tolerance by shifting the immune response from IgE‑mediated to IgG‑mediated pathways. Candidates should have confirmed sensitization via skin‑prick testing or specific IgE assays and demonstrate inadequate control despite optimal environmental and pharmacologic measures.
Monitoring and follow‑up are essential. Objective assessment tools—such as peak expiratory flow measurement, symptom diaries, and periodic allergen‑specific IgE quantification—guide therapy adjustments. Patients who fail to achieve control after combined measures may benefit from referral to an allergy specialist for personalized treatment planning.
In summary, comprehensive management of dust mite hypersensitivity integrates meticulous allergen reduction, evidence‑based medication, and, when indicated, targeted immunotherapy, supported by regular clinical evaluation.