How to treat allergies from house dust and mites? - briefly
Reduce exposure by washing bedding weekly in hot water, encasing mattresses and pillows in allergen‑impermeable covers, using HEPA air filters, and keeping indoor humidity below 50 %; complement these measures with physician‑guided antihistamines or intranasal corticosteroids for symptom relief.
How to treat allergies from house dust and mites? - in detail
Dust‑mite allergy management begins with reducing exposure. Regularly wash bedding in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat. Encase mattresses, pillows, and box springs with allergen‑proof covers that have a pore size of 10 µm or less. Maintain indoor humidity below 50 % using dehumidifiers or air‑conditioners; low moisture limits mite reproduction. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture with a HEPA‑filtered machine at least once a week, and consider removing wall‑to‑wall carpet in favor of hard flooring. Clean or replace air‑conditioner filters monthly, and run an air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter in sleeping areas.
Pharmacologic relief includes:
- Antihistamines (second‑generation agents such as cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine) taken once daily to block histamine receptors.
- Intranasal corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone, mometasone) for nasal congestion and rhinorrhea; administer two sprays per nostril once a day.
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists (montelukast) for persistent symptoms not controlled by antihistamines.
- Short‑acting bronchodilators (albuterol) for acute bronchospasm; use as prescribed.
When symptoms persist despite avoidance and medication, allergen‑specific immunotherapy offers a disease‑modifying option. Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) involves incremental injections of mite extracts over 3–5 years, gradually inducing tolerance. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) provides daily tablets or drops under the tongue, with comparable efficacy for many patients. Both protocols require physician supervision and periodic assessment of efficacy and adverse reactions.
Adjunctive measures support overall respiratory health:
- Eliminate smoking and avoid second‑hand smoke.
- Use saline nasal irrigation to clear mucus and reduce irritants.
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in omega‑3 fatty acids, which may attenuate inflammatory responses.
- Ensure adequate sleep and regular physical activity to strengthen immune regulation.
Monitoring involves periodic evaluation of symptom scores, medication usage, and pulmonary function tests when asthma is present. Adjust treatment based on objective findings and patient tolerance. A coordinated approach that combines environmental control, targeted medication, and, when indicated, immunotherapy yields the most reliable symptom reduction and improves quality of life for individuals sensitized to house dust and mites.