See a Dust Allergy Specialist in St. Louis, MO

Dust Mite Allergy

Mold Allergy

Mold spores are another common allergen that can be found in dust. Because of their size, mold spores are often indistinguishable from other sources of dust. Indoors, mold can be found in moist places like bathrooms and kitchens. If your home is susceptible to mold growth, your suspected dust allergy might actually be a mold allergy.

Pollen Allergy

Pollen from trees, grasses, flowers, and weeds is often associated with outdoor seasonal allergies, but pollen can also find its way into your home and take up residence in dust. It’s important to pay attention to when you have allergy symptoms. If your allergies flare up in certain seasons, your suspected dust allergy might actually be a pollen allergy.

Pet Allergy

Dander, saliva, and urine from cats, dogs, and other animals are common allergenic substances that are often found in the household dust of pet owners. If you’re a pet owner, your dust allergy might actually be a pet allergy.

Cockroach Allergy

in St. Louis, Missouri

Dust Allergy Symptoms

Contrary to what you might expect, dust allergy symptoms usually get worse during or immediately after dusting, sweeping, or vacuuming because these activities ‘stir up’ dust particles, making you more likely to inhale dust. Dust typically takes a couple hours to settle again.

Dust allergies typically cause allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies), and symptoms can persist year-round. Dust allergy symptoms include:

• • Red, itchy or teary eyes
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sneezing
  • Itching
  • Wheezing, coughing tightness in the chest and shortness of breath

In addition to allergic rhinitis, if you’re allergic to dust mites, dust can also trigger asthma and cause eczema to flare.

Dust Allergy Testing

After your allergist develops an understanding of your medical history, the next step is typically skin testing to determine exactly what you’re allergic to. In the case of a dust allergy complaint, your allergist may test for multiple allergies, including dust mites, mold, pollen, pet dander, etc. depending on your medical history. A skin test involves using a small, sterile needle to prick the skin. The needle coated with an extract of the suspected allergen. If you’re allergic to the substance, the tested area will swell into a small red welt.

Your allergist may also order a blood test if additional confirmation is needed.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Dust Allergy Treatment

Dust Allergy Prevention

Remove Dust Allergies From Your Home

• • Where possible, install wood flooring rather than carpeting, especially in bedrooms.
  • Remove curtains and drapes, especially in bedrooms.
  • When you clean, use a central vacuum or a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
  • Use “mite-proof” cases on your mattresses and pillows.
  • Keep a HEPA air cleaner running in your bedroom, and any other high-traffic areas.
  • Keep pets out of the bedroom, and preferably out of the house entirely.
  • Install a high-efficiency media filter with a MERV rating of 11 or 12 in the furnace and the air conditioning unit.
  • Leave the fan on to create a “whole house” air filter that removes particulates.
  • Change media filters at least once every three months to keep the air clean year-round.
  • Have your heating and air conditioning units inspected and serviced every six months.
  • Use a hygrometer to measure the humidity in your home, and do what you can to keep the humidity level below 50 percent. A dehumidifier may be necessary.
  • Use a vent fan to remove moisture in bathrooms and kitchen.
  • Repair water leaks to help manage moisture.

Clean Your Home Regularly

• • If your allergies tend to flair while cleaning, wear an N95 filter mask while dusting, sweeping, or vacuuming.
  • Wash all bed linens regularly using hot water.
  • Keep all unrefrigerated food covered and dispose of food waste in a tightly sealed garbage can.
  • If cockroaches are a known problem, use roach traps and schedule regular visits by a professional pest control service.

Dust Allergy Medications

Dust Allergy Shots

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) work by gradually increasing your tolerance to a given allergen. Allergy shots may be an effective long-term treatment for your dust allergies. Allergy shots are often referred to as a ‘curative therapy’ because they can prevent future allergic reactions and allow you to safely tolerate high levels of dust allergens. Visit us at St. Louis Family Allergy to learn more about this option.

References