Here are the symptoms, causes, complications of dust mite allergy
DUST MITE ALLERGY – Know the symptoms, causes, and complications of this allergic reaction to tiny bugs that are usually found in house dust.
Dust mites are invisible to the naked eye. A microscope is needed to see these tiny bugs that are close relatives of ticks and spiders. Often they are found in household items such as bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpeting as these provide them a warm, humid environment. Based on the article from Mayo Clinic, they feed on skin cells shed by people.
Here are the symptoms of this allergy:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
- Postnasal drip
- Cough
- Facial pressure and pain
- Swollen, blue-colored skin under your eyes
- In a child, frequent upward rubbing of the nose
Here are the risk factors:
History of allergy in the family can be a risk factor as you are prone to develop an allergy to dust mites. Exposure to the high levels of dust mites is also a triggering factor. Based on the article, children and young adults are prone to have dust mite allergy.
Dust contains the feces and decaying bodies of dust mites. The proteins that are found in “debris” of dust mite are the culprit in dust mite allergy.
Here are the complications:
Allergy to dust mite can lead to sinus infections. The allergy can cause inflammation of tissues in the nasal passages and can obstruct your sinuses. Because of these obstructions, one can develop sinusitis or infections of the sinuses. Dust mite allergy can also increase the risk of an asthma attack. If this happened to people with asthma, here are the symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest tightness or pain
- An audible whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling
- Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
- Bouts of coughing or wheezing that are worsened by a respiratory virus such as a cold or the flu
Based on the article, if signs and symptoms are severe, such as severe nasal congestion, wheezing or difficulty sleeping, you should immediately consult a doctor.
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