What to do if you are allergic to house dust mites

Dust mites are an allergen that can cause allergies. They are very common in our homes. Many people who are prone to allergies or have a history of asthma will experience some allergic symptoms if they inhale dust mites. In particular, asthma patients will feel shortness of breath and suffocation. In severe cases, it will pose a certain threat to life safety. So what should we do if we are allergic to household dust mites?

Dust mites are a kind of true scabies, which are the most important germs that cause allergies. They are common in our indoor environment and cannot be observed with the naked eye. The most common one in the room is the household dust mite, which can cause allergic reactions. Let's see what to do if you are allergic to household dust mites.

Overview

Dust mites are one of the most important inhaled allergens and are commonly found indoors. Household dust mites and dust mites are the two main types of mites. They belong to the genus Dermatophagoides. They are common organisms that are generally invisible to the naked eye. It is generally agreed internationally that the distribution of dominant mite species varies in different geographical locations and living environments, but worldwide, the most dominant mites in homes are dust mites and household dust mites.

Three major diseases related to

Allergic asthma

The occurrence, development and persistence of symptoms of most allergic asthma are closely related to dust mite allergy. There are about 160 million bronchial asthma patients in the world, and the prevalence in various countries ranges from 1% to 13%. The prevalence in my country is 1% to 4%. It is generally believed that the incidence rate in children is higher than that in adults. Among infant and young asthma, allergic asthma accounts for 80%, while among adult asthma, allergic asthma accounts for 10% to 50%. 80% of asthma patients have positive dust mite prick test results, while the positive rate in the normal population is 5%-30%. Epidemiological surveys around the world have shown that dust mites are the main allergens. The occurrence, development, acute onset and persistence of symptoms of most allergic asthma are closely related to dust mite allergy. Dust mite allergy is a risk factor for asthma.

Allergic rhinitis

Dust mites are also the main allergen of allergic rhinitis. After the nasal cavity is stimulated by dust mites, acute reactions and delayed reactions will occur. They can induce nasal mucosal inflammation for a long time and further develop into nasal polyps. Allergic rhinitis is a global health problem. It is common all over the world, with a global prevalence of 10%-25%, and the number of patients is still increasing. It can affect patients' daily life, learning and work efficiency, and cause a serious economic burden.

Allergic dermatitis

The incidence of atopic dermatitis (also known as atopic dermatitis) caused by dust mites is 10% in children. Therefore, dust mites are considered to be one of the most important allergens of atopic dermatitis, and the patient's degree of allergy to dust mites is closely related to the severity of atopic dermatitis. There are two ways that dust mites cause atopic dermatitis: directly through the skin and through inhalation of dust mite allergies. Many patients with atopic dermatitis often have other allergic symptoms: such as asthma, skin redness, swelling, itching or allergic rhinitis.

prevention

1. Reduce indoor relative humidity: Controlling the relative humidity below 50% is the most commonly used method to control the level of mites and their allergens, because the ambient relative humidity is the most critical factor affecting the prevalence of mites. Recent studies have shown that the use of high-performance dehumidifiers and air conditioners indoors to reduce relative humidity and the total amount of mites is both practical and effective.

2. Use packaging covers: Packing mattresses and pillows with special anti-mite materials is an effective way to reduce exposure to dust mites and their allergens. This method is recommended for allergy sufferers, where the packaging material consists of plastic, breathable material, very fine textile fibers or non-woven synthetic material. The ideal material would be a comfortable, breathable fabric that is permeable to vapor and blocks the passage of mites and mite allergens. The width of young mites is generally greater than 50 microns, so a fabric of 20 microns or less will prevent all mites from passing through.

3. Washing, drying and dry cleaning of bedding: Washing sheets, pillowcases, blankets and mattress covers with hot water equal to or higher than 55°C once a week can kill mites and remove most mite allergens. Washing with warm or cold water removes most allergens. Using ordinary laundry detergent at 25°C for at least 5 minutes can remove most mite allergens. Tumble dryers can kill all mites if the temperature is greater than 55°C for 10 minutes. Dry cleaning is an effective way to kill mites, but it cannot remove all allergens. Washing your hair daily is also a good way to control dust mite allergens.

Everyone must know what to do about household dust mites, especially those who have allergies at home and asthma patients. They must be able to do some preventive work in time to avoid the occurrence of household dust mites. The sheets, quilt covers, carpets, and curtains we use in daily life should be washed regularly, and the dust in the house should be cleaned regularly to avoid the growth of household dust mites.