What should be done for an allergy to house dust mites? - briefly
Minimize exposure by washing bedding in hot water weekly, encasing mattresses and pillows in allergen‑proof covers, and maintaining indoor humidity below 50 %. Treat symptoms with antihistamines or intranasal corticosteroids and consider allergen immunotherapy for durable relief.
What should be done for an allergy to house dust mites? - in detail
Managing a hypersensitivity to Dermatophagoides species requires a multi‑layered approach that combines environmental control, pharmacotherapy, and immunomodulation.
First, reduce exposure in the living environment. Remove or wash bedding weekly in water hotter than 60 °C, encase mattresses and pillows in allergen‑impermeable covers, and keep indoor humidity below 50 % by using dehumidifiers or air‑conditioners. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture with HEPA‑filtered equipment, and replace wall‑to‑wall carpets with hard flooring when possible. Store soft toys in sealed containers or discard them if they cannot be cleaned regularly. Minimize dust accumulation by wiping surfaces with a damp cloth rather than dry dusting.
Second, alleviate symptoms with medication. Oral antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine) provide rapid relief of itching and sneezing. Intranasal corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone, mometasone) reduce nasal inflammation and congestion. In cases of asthma triggered by mite allergens, inhaled corticosteroids combined with long‑acting β2‑agonists are recommended. Leukotriene receptor antagonists may be added for persistent bronchial symptoms.
Third, consider disease‑modifying therapy. Subcutaneous or sublingual immunotherapy with standardized house‑dust‑mite extracts can induce long‑term tolerance, decreasing medication dependence and improving quality of life. Candidates should undergo allergist evaluation to confirm specific IgE positivity and assess contraindications before initiation.
Finally, monitor progress. Use validated symptom scores (e.g., Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire) and peak‑flow measurements for asthmatic patients at baseline and after each intervention phase. Adjust environmental measures, medication doses, or immunotherapy protocols based on objective improvement.
Practical checklist
- Wash bedding weekly at ≥60 °C; use allergen‑proof covers.
- Keep indoor humidity <50 %; employ dehumidifiers.
- Vacuum with HEPA filter; clean hard surfaces with damp cloth.
- Replace carpets with hard flooring where feasible.
- Store or discard soft toys that cannot be cleaned.
- Start oral antihistamine for immediate symptom control.
- Add intranasal corticosteroid for chronic nasal inflammation.
- Use inhaled corticosteroid/long‑acting β2‑agonist for mite‑induced asthma.
- Evaluate eligibility for mite‑specific immunotherapy; commence if appropriate.
- Record symptoms and lung function regularly; modify regimen as needed.
Implementing these measures systematically addresses both trigger avoidance and physiological response, offering comprehensive management of house‑dust‑mite allergy.