Managing Dust Mite Allergies

If Your Child Is Allergic to Dust Mites, You Should Know What to Do

You expect to see runny eyes, itchy noses, the odd mysterious rash, and those never-ending sniffles. When these symptoms continue to appear, even in winter and indoors without any signs of a cold, it’s important to investigate further.

It was then that I discovered my son is allergic to dust mites. It was not news that I was thrilled with, considering how little vacuuming I do. Read on if you are wondering if your child is also affected by these invisible invaders. What I have learned about dust-mite allergies and how to identify them, as well as what you can do to ease symptoms and restore your child’s comfort.

Our Allergy Adventure: A Cough and Sneeze Saga

Like many parenting stories, it all began with some guesswork and trial and error. My middle child has always been sensitive when it comes to his health. He had mild egg allergies and eczema as a baby. As he grew older, hayfever would appear, especially when he played outside, was near flowers, or was within the pet hair of our family cat.

But things changed in the first half of this year. Sneezing became a constant. Coughing increased at night. He was swollen, red, and itchy. Our usual antihistamines were not working. We went to an allergy specialist.

I admit that I half expected the cat to be responsible. I prepared myself for a possible heartbreaking goodbye. The skin-prick test revealed that he had an allergy to dust mites, which I never expected.

What are Dust Mites?

Dust mites may sound like they belong in a science-fiction story, but the truth is that they are everywhere.

Dust mites, which are tiny, insect-like creatures, belong to the family of arachnids (yes, they are related to spiders). Dust mites are oval-shaped and light-colored. They are also very small, less than half a mm long. They’re not visible to the naked eye, but they are in your house right now.

Dust mites do not bite, unlike fleas and bedbugs. They feed on dead skin flakes. Dust mites can eat as much as they want, 24/7, because we constantly shed skin cells. Their favorite dining places are dark, warm, and humid. Mattresses, pillows, carpets, upholstered furniture, and bedding, as well as soft toys, are the ideal breeding grounds for dust mites.

Then comes the uncomfortable part. It’s estimated that up to a third (both living and dead) of your pillow may be dust mites and their droppings. It’s gross. It’s very common.

How Dust Mites Trigger Allergies

You may be wondering – how can something so tiny cause such a large reaction?

It’s not the mites that are the problem, but the proteins in their body secretions and droppings. Sensitive people react negatively to mite dust particles containing those proteins.

This immune response can cause inflammation of the nose, eyes, skin, or lungs, depending on the person. Dust mites can cause allergies in around 10% of people.

What are the Symptoms of a Cold?

Dust mite allergies can easily be mistaken for a cold or hay fever. We went through several boxes of tissues in our case before realizing that something else was wrong.

Here are the most common symptoms of dust mite allergies:

• Sneezing that persists
• Chronic runny nasal or sinus congestion
• Itchy, watery eye
• Itchy or scratchy throat
• When you cough or wheeze (especially in the early morning or late at night), it can be a sign of asthma.
• Eczema or skin rashes
• Feeling tight in the chest
• Fatigue and poor sleeping (due to nasal congestion or coughing).

Dust mites can cause these symptoms at any time of the year. However, they are most likely to worsen in the morning or early evening after your child has been in bed for hours with pillows, mattresses, and bedding.

Why are Some Seasons Worse than Others

Dust mite allergies also have seasonal peaks, just like hay fever. Our experience has shown that the summer and winter months are the worst, but for completely different reasons.

Summer: Since dust mites thrive in humid, warm environments, they can multiply rapidly when temperatures increase. Fans and air conditioners also circulate dust in the home, which makes it easier for allergens to be inhaled.

Winter,  the cold weather, makes us seal the house up, turn up the heat, and pile the blankets on. This means that dust will accumulate in the warm, cosy areas where mites live. You’re also less likely to open windows or hang things out in the sunlight, which can reduce mite counts.

Spring or Autumn: You can enjoy milder weather conditions, lower humidity, and better air quality.

What to Expect when You Receive a Diagnosis

Speak to your GP if you suspect that your child may be allergic to dust mites or anything else. You’ll be referred to an allergist, who will likely suggest a blood or skin test.

Skin prick tests involve placing a small amount (usually on the forearm) of allergen extract onto the skin, then gently pricking it to allow the allergen in. A red, itchy bump should appear in 15-20 minutes if your child has an allergy.

This test is quick, relatively painless, and extremely helpful for identifying the allergen. You can then stop guessing and begin treating.

Treatment Options: Which Works?

After the diagnosis, I experienced a mild panic attack. Was I to become a vacuuming machine full-time? How was I supposed to remove something invisible from all corners of our house?

The doctor assured me that, while dust mites can’t be eleliminatedthere are many ways to minimize exposure and reduce symptoms.

What we were told:

1. Medication

Antihistamines and nasal sprays are available over-the-counter to relieve symptoms, especially when flare-ups occur. You can also find non-drowsy formulations, which are great for school days.

2. Immunotherapy

In severe cases,  an allergen immunotherapy may be prescribed. It involves gradually exposing the child to more dust mite extract in order to build their tolerance. This is a long-term treatment that can take 3-5 years. It is not cheap, but it has the potential to reduce symptoms.

We did not opt for it immediately, but we will keep this in mind if the symptoms continue to worsen.

Dust mite prevention and control: your new cleaning game plan

The next step is to make your home as dust mite-friendly as you can. This is the plan that we used to reduce my son’s symptoms.

Bedding:

• DDusmite-proof covers are available for pillows and mattresses. These covers are designed to be impervious to mites.
• All sheets, pillowcases, and blankets should be washed at least once a week with hot water (a55 °CgC).
• If your child’s favourite toy is a soft one, wash it every week or put it in the fridge overnight to kill mites.

Cleaning:

• Vacuum every week. This includes mattresses, upholstery, and carpet edges.
• Use damp microfibre cloths instead of feather dusters to capture dust and not spread it.
• Keep your bedroom clutter-free, particularly in the bedroom.
• Reduce the amount of fabric on surfaces. If possible, replace heavy curtains, upholstered furnishings, and rugs with alternatives such as blinds, wood, or leather.

General Environment:

• Keep the humidity level below 50%. Dehumidifiers are useful, particularly in humid or damp areas.
• Open windows whenever the weather permits to air out your home.
• Reduce airborne dust with air purifiers that have HEPA filters.
• Remove carpet from bedrooms. Hard floors are easier to maintain.

Lifestyle Tweaks:

• Keep pets away from bedrooms
• Shower and change your clothes after an outdoor activity (especially in allergy season).
• Keep extra linens in airtight storage containers.

After Diagnosis, Life Does Get Better

My son is now doing better. We’ve seen significant improvement in our son’s symptoms with regular washing, reducing clutter, and taking an antihistamine if needed. No more itchy eyelids before bedtime. No more nighttime coughing. We’ll all sleep better.

It remains crucial to remain vigilant, especially during the peak season. But it is manageable. It’s worth the effort when your child feels at home in their own house again.

Conclusion

Don’t blame seasonal bugs if your child has “perpetual” cold symptoms or you notice a cough, sneezing, or itchy eye that doesn’t match the typical cold or influenza patterns. Dust mites can cause allergies more often than we realize.

You can help your child breathe more easily by getting clarity as soon as possible.

So go ahead. Speak to your doctor. Take the allergy test. Accept your inner cleaning freak (even if it’s just a tiny bit). Remember that you are not alone in your battle against the invisible threat of dust mites.