What do dust mites cause

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The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Home Allergies. House dust mite. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. What are dust mites? Symptoms of allergic reaction to dust mites Physical characteristics of the house dust mite Allergic reaction to dust mites Common hiding spots for dust mites Diagnosis and treatment for dust mite allergies Where to get help.

Symptoms of allergic reaction to dust mites House dust mites can trigger respiratory or dermatological conditions including asthma and eczema. Symptoms can include: wheezing coughing breathlessness a tight feeling in the chest runny nose itchy nose itchy, watery eyes itchy skin skin rashes. Physical characteristics of the house dust mite The characteristics of a house dust mite include: less than half a millimetre in length, which makes it hard to see with the naked eye wingless oval-shaped body light coloured body with fine stripes life span of around 2 months or so, depending on the conditions.

Common hiding spots for dust mites The diet of the house dust mite includes shed skin flakes, pollen and fungal spores. Common hiding spots around the home include: mattresses and bed linen upholstered furniture shag-pile or long-fibred carpets soft toys. Diagnosis and treatment for dust mite allergies Allergy testing can determine whether house dust mites trigger your respiratory or dermatological symptoms. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Dust mite allergy is an allergic reaction to tiny bugs that commonly live in house dust. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Dust allergy. Accessed April 26, Dust mites. American Lung Association. Dust mite allergy. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Sexton DJ, et al. Bedding, carpeting, and furniture cushions all trap and hold moisture, allowing these tiny bugs to flourish.

You may experience additional symptoms if you have asthma and are allergic to dust mites. These symptoms may include:. You should see an allergist if you find your symptoms are worse at home, especially when cleaning or when you go to bed. An allergist is someone who diagnoses and treats allergies. Your allergist will use diagnostic tests to determine whether you have a dust mite allergy. The most common type of test is a skin-prick test. During this test, the allergist will prick an area of your skin with a small extract of the allergen.

Your allergist will then wait about 15 minutes to see if your skin has any negative reactions. If you do have a reaction, you will likely develop a large bump around the pricked area of skin. The area may also become red and itchy. A blood test is sometimes used instead of a skin test. Note that a blood test can only screen for antibodies, so the results may not be as accurate.

The best treatment option is to limit your exposure to dust mites. Singulair increases the risk of severe mental health side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and actions. Bedding is the ideal breeding ground for dust mites. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Updated visitor guidelines. Top of the page. Topic Overview Dust builds up throughout your home. Air Do not use window or attic fans, which bring air containing pollen, mold spores, and other allergens into your home. Use air conditioning so you do not have to open windows. This will help reduce the amount of pollen and mold spores that enter your home.

Use an air cleaner with a special high-efficiency particulate air HEPA filter. This can help remove some allergens such as pollen or animal dander and tobacco smoke from the air in your home. Furniture, carpets, drapes, and bedding Avoid carpet, upholstered furniture, and heavy drapes that collect dust. Avoid furniture covered with fabrics. Use pillow and mattress covers made from a tight-weave fabric that keeps out dust and mites.

Use furniture made of wood, plastic, leather, or vinyl including vinyl mattress covers that you can wipe clean.