How to treat allergy to dust mites? - briefly
Control measures involve minimizing exposure by washing bedding at ≥ 60 °C weekly, encasing mattresses and pillows, keeping indoor humidity below 50 %, and removing carpets. Symptomatic relief is achieved with antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, and, for persistent cases, allergen‑specific immunotherapy.
How to treat allergy to dust mites? - in detail
Dust‑mite hypersensitivity can be controlled through a combination of environmental measures, pharmacotherapy, and immune modulation. Reducing exposure eliminates the primary trigger, while medications address symptoms, and desensitization modifies the underlying immune response.
Environmental control focuses on minimizing mite populations in living spaces. Key actions include:
- Washing bedding weekly in water at least 60 °C or using a sanitizing detergent.
- Enclosing mattresses, pillows, and duvets in allergen‑impermeable covers with a pore size below 10 µm.
- Removing carpets, heavy curtains, and upholstered furniture from bedrooms; replacing them with hard‑surface flooring and washable blinds.
- Maintaining indoor humidity below 50 % by using dehumidifiers or air‑conditioning units.
- Vacuuming with a high‑efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and cleaning floors with a damp mop to avoid aerosolizing particles.
Pharmacologic treatment targets the inflammatory cascade and symptom relief. Common options are:
- Antihistamines – second‑generation agents (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine) provide rapid relief of sneezing, itching, and rhinorrhea without significant sedation.
- Intranasal corticosteroids – fluticasone, mometasone, or budesonide sprays reduce nasal mucosal edema and prevent chronic rhinitis.
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists – montelukast can be added for persistent nasal congestion or coexisting asthma.
- Short‑acting bronchodilators – albuterol inhalers address acute bronchospasm in patients with lower‑airway involvement.
- Long‑acting inhaled corticosteroids – for persistent asthma, agents such as fluticasone propionate maintain airway stability.
Immunotherapy offers a disease‑modifying approach. Subcutaneous or sublingual allergen extracts administered over several years gradually diminish IgE‑mediated reactivity. Selection criteria include confirmed sensitization via skin‑prick testing or specific IgE measurement, moderate to severe symptoms despite optimal environmental and pharmacologic control, and patient adherence to the treatment schedule.
Adjunctive strategies support overall management:
- Nasal saline irrigation to clear mucus and reduce allergen load.
- Use of HEPA air purifiers in living areas to filter airborne particles.
- Regular monitoring of symptom scores and lung function to adjust therapy promptly.
A comprehensive plan integrates these components, tailoring intensity to individual severity and lifestyle. Continuous evaluation ensures that exposure reduction, medication, and immunotherapy work synergistically to achieve long‑term symptom control and improve quality of life.