How does an allergy to bed mites manifest? - briefly
Symptoms typically involve intense itching, sneezing, nasal congestion, and skin rashes that worsen after bedtime, often accompanied by watery eyes. In severe cases, the reaction can trigger asthma attacks or pronounced eye irritation.
How does an allergy to bed mites manifest? - in detail
Allergic reactions to the microscopic arthropods that inhabit bedding typically involve the immune system’s response to proteins found in mite feces, body fragments, and secretions. The clinical picture can be divided into cutaneous, respiratory, and ocular manifestations, each varying in intensity according to individual sensitivity and exposure level.
Skin symptoms appear first in many patients. They include:
- Localized itching that intensifies at night.
- Red, raised patches (erythema) often confined to areas in contact with the mattress or pillows.
- Hives (urticaria) that may spread beyond the bedding‑contact zones.
- Eczematous lesions that worsen in chronic cases, sometimes leading to thickened, scaly skin.
Respiratory involvement ranges from mild irritation to severe asthma exacerbation. Typical signs are:
- Repeated sneezing and clear nasal discharge.
- Nasal congestion and post‑nasal drip.
- Cough that worsens after lying down.
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, or bronchial hyper‑reactivity in sensitized asthmatics.
Ocular effects are less common but clinically relevant:
- Itchy, watery eyes.
- Conjunctival redness and swelling.
Systemic reactions are rare but may include low‑grade fever, fatigue, or generalized malaise, especially after prolonged exposure in poorly ventilated rooms.
The latency between exposure and symptom onset can be immediate (within minutes) for cutaneous and ocular signs, while respiratory symptoms often develop after several hours of continuous contact. Chronic exposure may lead to persistent inflammation, heightened sensitivity, and worsening of pre‑existing allergic conditions.
Diagnostic confirmation relies on:
- Skin prick testing with standardized mite extracts.
- Measurement of serum‑specific IgE antibodies.
- In‑home assessment of mite load (e.g., dust‑mite allergen ELISA, visual inspection of bedding).
Management strategies focus on reducing allergen burden and controlling the immune response. Environmental measures include washing bedding at ≥60 °C weekly, using allergen‑impermeable mattress and pillow covers, maintaining indoor humidity below 50 %, and employing high‑efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration. Pharmacologic therapy may involve antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, or, for asthma, inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Allergen‑specific immunotherapy can be considered for patients with confirmed sensitization and persistent symptoms despite optimal environmental control.