Dust Mite Allergy Testing & Treatment

An allergy occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance—such as dust mite debris—as a harmful invader. Dust mite allergens are mainly found in their feces and decaying bodies. In response, your immune system produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). Upon subsequent exposure, these antibodies trigger an inflammatory reaction in your nasal passages or lungs, leading to allergy symptoms.

Anyone can develop a dust mite allergy, but you’re more susceptible if you have asthma, eczema, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), or have a family history of allergies. Dust mite allergies are quite common, affecting approximately 20 million people in the United States.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Dust Mite Allergy Symptoms

Common dust mite allergy symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Runny or congested nose
• Itchy, red, or watery eyes
• Cough
• Facial pressure or pain
• Postnasal drip
• Swollen, bluish skin beneath the eyes
• Itchy nose, mouth, or throat
• Frequent nose rubbing (in children)

In individuals with asthma, dust mite allergies may also cause:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness or pain
• Wheezing or whistling sounds when exhaling
• Sleep disruption due to shortness of breath or coughing

Prolonged exposure to dust mite allergens can lead to:

• Sinus infections (sinusitis): chronic inflammation from dust mite allergies may block your sinuses, increasing the likelihood of sinus infections.
• Asthma complications: individuals with asthma and dust mite allergies may find their asthma symptoms harder to control and are at risk for severe asthma attacks requiring emergency treatment.

Dust Mite Allergy Testing

If you experience symptoms that worsen during cleaning or sleeping, your allergist might suspect a dust mite allergy. Before conducting a dust mite allergy test, they may ask questions about your medical history, including:

• Do you have a family history of dust mite allergies?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with other allergies?
• What specific symptoms do you experience?
• Do you take any medications to treat your symptoms?
• Do you spend a lot of time in dusty environments?
• How often do you vacuum your carpets, wash your bedding, and clean other surface areas?

An allergist can confirm the diagnosis through various dust mite allergy tests:

• Skin Prick Test: Small amounts of allergen extracts are introduced to your skin using a gentle prick. A positive reaction appears as a small, itchy bump within 15 minutes.
• Blood Test (IgE Test): A sample of your blood is analyzed to measure IgE antibodies specific to dust mite proteins. Results usually take about a week.
• Nasal Exam: Your healthcare provider may also use a lighted instrument to examine the lining of your nose. If you have an allergy to airborne substances like dust mites, the nasal lining will typically appear swollen and may look pale or bluish.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Dust Mite Removal

While you cannot completely eliminate dust mites, significantly reducing their presence in your home can ease your dust mite allergy symptoms. See the following dust mite removal tips:

• Use allergen-proof bedding covers: Protect mattresses, pillows, and box springs with tightly woven dustproof covers. These covers effectively prevent dust mites from colonizing or escaping from bedding.
• Wash bedding weekly: Regularly wash sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and bedcovers in hot water (at least 130°F or 54.4°C) to effectively kill dust mites and remove allergens. For non-washable items, freezing them for 24 hours can kill mites, though allergens must still be washed out afterward.
• Control indoor humidity: Dust mites thrive in humid conditions. Maintain a relative humidity below 50% using air conditioners or dehumidifiers. A hygrometer, available at hardware stores, can help monitor humidity levels.
• Vacuum frequently with proper equipment: Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter or a double-layered microfilter bag at least twice a week to capture dust mite allergens effectively. If you have severe allergies, consider wearing a mask while vacuuming or having someone else perform this task, waiting about two hours before re-entering the cleaned area.
• Reduce clutter: Dust mites settle easily on items that collect dust. Minimize the presence of stuffed animals, books, magazines, decorative items, and heavy curtains, particularly in bedrooms.
• Replace carpeting: Carpeting, especially over concrete floors, provides an ideal environment for dust mites. Opt for hard-surface flooring like wood, vinyl, tile, or linoleum.
• Regularly wipe surfaces: Clean hard surfaces with damp or microfiber cloths to effectively remove dust without dispersing allergens into the air.
• Use advanced air filters: Install a high-efficiency media filter with a MERV rating of 11 or 12 in your heating and cooling systems to help capture airborne allergens throughout your home. Be sure to change these filters every three months.

Dust Mite Allergy Treatment

When dust mite avoidance isn’t sufficient, your allergist may prescribe the following for dust mite allergy treatment:

• Antihistamines: Available over-the-counter or by prescription, antihistamines help relieve common allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Options include fexofenadine (Allegra), loratadine (Claritin), and cetirizine (Zyrtec).
• Nasal corticosteroids: These prescription or OTC nasal sprays, like fluticasone (Flonase) and mometasone (Nasonex), effectively reduce inflammation and nasal congestion with minimal side effects.
• Decongestants: Available as oral tablets or nasal sprays, decongestants provide temporary relief from nasal congestion. However, nasal spray decongestants should not be used for more than three days consecutively, as prolonged use can worsen dust mite allergy symptoms.
• Leukotriene modifiers: Prescription medications such as montelukast (Singulair) reduce allergy symptoms by blocking specific chemicals involved in the allergic response. These medications generally require several weeks of consistent use before noticeable improvements occur.
• Immunotherapy: Allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy tablets expose your immune system gradually to increasing amounts of dust mite allergens, helping reduce sensitivity over time. Immunotherapy typically involves a commitment of three to five years to achieve optimal effectiveness.
• Nasal irrigation: Using a saline solution to rinse nasal passages can effectively clear mucus and allergens. Neti pots or specialized squeeze bottles can be used with distilled or sterilized water to safely perform nasal irrigation at home.

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