How to treat allergy to house dust and mites? - briefly
Effective management combines environmental control—regular washing of bedding in hot water, use of allergen‑impermeable covers, and reduction of carpet and upholstered furniture—with pharmacologic therapy such as antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids. For persistent symptoms, allergen‑specific immunotherapy provides long‑term desensitization under medical supervision.
How to treat allergy to house dust and mites? - in detail
Dust mite hypersensitivity requires a combination of environmental control, pharmacotherapy, and, when appropriate, immune modulation.
First, reduce exposure. Remove carpets, replace upholstered furniture with leather or vinyl, and keep windows closed during high pollen periods. Wash bedding weekly in water hotter than 60 °C; encase mattresses and pillows in allergen‑impermeable covers. Maintain indoor humidity below 50 % using dehumidifiers or air‑conditioning. Vacuum with a HEPA‑filter-equipped machine and clean surfaces with a damp cloth to avoid aerosolizing particles. Install portable HEPA air cleaners in bedrooms and living areas.
Pharmacologic relief targets symptom reduction. Oral antihistamines (second‑generation agents such as cetirizine or fexofenadine) alleviate itching and sneezing. Intranasal corticosteroids (fluticasone, mometasone) suppress mucosal inflammation and are more effective for chronic rhinitis. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (montelukast) can complement antihistamines, especially when asthma coexists. For acute bronchospasm, short‑acting β₂‑agonists provide rapid bronchodilation; inhaled corticosteroids are indicated for persistent asthma control.
When avoidance and medication do not achieve adequate control, allergen‑specific immunotherapy is indicated. Subcutaneous injection therapy follows a buildup phase with weekly escalating doses, then a maintenance phase of monthly injections for three to five years. Sublingual tablets, approved for dust mite allergy, are taken daily at home after an initial supervised dose. Both modalities aim to induce long‑term tolerance by shifting immune response from IgE‑mediated to IgG4‑dominant pathways.
Adjunct measures support overall management. Encourage regular physical activity to improve respiratory function. Counsel patients to avoid smoking and second‑hand smoke, which exacerbate airway inflammation. Monitor symptom scores and lung function periodically to adjust treatment intensity. Seek specialist referral if symptoms persist despite optimal measures, if asthma attacks occur, or if systemic reactions develop during immunotherapy.
Summary of actions
- Eliminate dust reservoirs: carpets, heavy curtains, stuffed toys.
- Use allergen‑impermeable bedding and wash weekly in hot water.
- Control humidity (< 50 %) and employ HEPA filtration.
- Administer second‑generation antihistamines for pruritus.
- Apply intranasal corticosteroids for chronic nasal inflammation.
- Add leukotriene antagonists when asthma is present.
- Consider subcutaneous or sublingual immunotherapy for refractory cases.
- Maintain regular follow‑up to evaluate efficacy and safety.