How to treat allergy to house mites? - briefly
Control the exposure by washing bedding at ≥60 °C, encasing mattresses and pillows in allergen‑proof covers, and keeping indoor humidity below 50 %; supplement with antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, or, for chronic cases, allergen‑specific immunotherapy.
How to treat allergy to house mites? - in detail
Dust‑mite allergy management begins with confirming the sensitization through skin‑prick testing or specific IgE blood assays. Once confirmed, the primary strategy is reducing exposure to the allergen, followed by pharmacologic control and, when necessary, immunotherapy.
Environmental control measures:
- Encase mattresses, pillows, and duvets in allergen‑proof covers with a pore size of 10 µm or less; wash weekly in water hotter than 60 °C.
- Reduce indoor humidity to below 50 % using dehumidifiers or air‑conditioning; keep relative humidity low to inhibit mite proliferation.
- Remove carpets, wall‑to‑wall rugs, and upholstered furniture that retain dust; replace with hard‑floor surfaces where feasible.
- Wash bedding, curtains, and plush toys regularly; consider discarding items that cannot be cleaned effectively.
- Vacuum with a HEPA‑filtered appliance on a weekly schedule; empty the canister outdoors to prevent re‑contamination.
- Keep pets out of sleeping areas; pet dander can exacerbate the reaction.
Pharmacologic relief:
- Antihistamines (second‑generation agents) taken once daily alleviate sneezing, itching, and rhinorrhea without causing sedation.
- Intranasal corticosteroids provide anti‑inflammatory action; administer 1–2 sprays per nostril each morning for persistent nasal congestion.
- Leukotriene‑receptor antagonists, such as montelukast, reduce bronchial hyper‑responsiveness in patients with concomitant asthma.
- Short‑acting bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol) are reserved for acute bronchospasm episodes.
Immunotherapy options:
- Subcutaneous allergen‑specific immunotherapy (SCIT) delivers gradually increasing doses of dust‑mite extract over 3–5 years; it modifies the immune response and can achieve long‑term remission.
- Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) uses daily tablets or drops placed under the tongue; it offers a convenient alternative with comparable efficacy for many patients.
Adjunctive measures:
- Regular physical activity supports respiratory function and overall immune health.
- Adequate sleep and balanced nutrition reduce systemic inflammation.
- Avoid smoking and exposure to volatile organic compounds, which aggravate airway irritation.
Monitoring and follow‑up:
- Schedule clinical reviews every 3–6 months to assess symptom control, adjust medication dosages, and evaluate the need for immunotherapy escalation.
- Maintain a symptom diary to identify triggers and gauge the effectiveness of environmental interventions.
Combining meticulous allergen avoidance with appropriate medication and, when indicated, immunotherapy yields the most comprehensive relief for individuals suffering from dust‑mite hypersensitivity.