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Since it’s a simple task to cross off your to-do list, you might enjoy getting out of bed as soon as you wake up in the morning. However, according to experts, doing so can make the ideal atmosphere for dust mites. Are you unfamiliar with these small animals? According to a study that was published in the National Library of Medicine, up to 20 million Americans suffer from dust mite allergies, and they can reside in your house.
Dust mites prefer warm environments, so your pillow or mattress will be more enticing to them. This is especially true if you make your bed first thing in the morning to retain the heat your body generates during the night.
We asked allergy specialists to describe dust mites, how to tell if you have them, and what to do if you have in order to assist you decide if you are at risk for having them.
GO Ahead and SkipWhy Trust NBC Select? What are dust mites? Are they dangerous? If you have a dust mite allergy, how can you get rid of them?
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What are dust mites?
Dust mites are living organisms, despite their name suggesting that they are a form of dirt or detritus. According to Michael Rubino, a mold and air quality specialist and the creator of HomeCleanse, dust mites are minute insect-like organisms that are members of the arachnid family, which also includes spiders and ticks. They are invisible to the human eye and frequently reside in household dust, where they consume organic materials like pollen and skin cells.
According to Dr. Sukhkarn Bains, an allergist-immunologist at the Los Angeles Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy, these pests are most frequently found in fabrics and textiles such as mattresses, pillows, bedding, rugs, drapes, upholstered furniture, clothes, and even stuffed animals or toys. They are usually found on permeable surfaces, where microscopic particles can readily accumulate, Rubino notes. The mites consume the small skin flakes that have shed to create this dust.
Are dust mites harmful?
The good news is that dust mites aren’t usually seen to pose a serious risk to health. According to Rubino, this is because they don’t bite or spread illness like bed bugs do. The small amounts of urine, feces, and body parts they leave behind do, however, contain proteins that some individuals may experience allergic reactions to.
Are you curious as to how such minuscule particles may generate such a flurry of allergies? According to Rubino, they can readily become airborne when disturbed and settle on surfaces throughout the house, combining with dust. Because of their small size, they can enter the body through the airways and be recognized by the immune system as foreign invaders. Over time, this identification may result in a reaction meant to get rid of these particles, which could cause long-term allergy symptoms.
According to Bains, “some people may notice these allergies pop up immediately, while others may find that a dust mite allergy develops over time after repeated exposure.” People who already have allergies are more likely to develop a dust mite allergy.
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Signs you have a dust mite allergy
According to Bains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, watery eyes, and wheezing are the most typical signs of a dust mite allergy. Hives are less prevalent, although they can still happen to some people.
Dust mite allergies are most likely to occur in people who already have other allergies, as previously stated. According to Rubino, children and people with underlying medical disorders, such as asthma, are also more vulnerable. Additionally, symptoms are more likely to appear in those exposed to high concentrations of dust mites.
How to treat a dust mite allergy
A specialist who specializes in allergic reactions should be able to establish whether you have a dust mite allergy or not. According to Bains, a doctor will be allowed to prescribe drugs like intranasal steroids and antihistamines to treat symptoms. However, according to Bains, allergy immunotherapy is the only approach to completely treat a dust mite allergy. According to him, this is where a patient receives consistent treatment to effectively desensitize them to dust mites, either subcutaneously or sublingually. Usually, allergy immunotherapy lasts three to five years.
Yes, you read correctly. It’s a drawn-out procedure that, if not covered by insurance, can be highly costly. This kind of medication is often saved for people who experience really uncomfortable reactions to dust mite exposure. The majority of people who have the allergy can manage it by using the symptom-relieving medications described above. Eliminating dust mites is another important step in managing your allergies.
How to get rid of dust mites
First, understand that having dust mites is not a sign of weakness. The American Lung Association estimates that these pests are present in about four out of five houses. According to Bains, one reason dust mites are found in so many homes is that they can be difficult to eradicate. What our experts advise doing to try to get them out of your house is as follows:
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Maintain indoor humidity.
Aim for between 35 and 50 percent, any hotter and you are creating the warm, moist environment that dust mites thrive in, says Rubino. -
Wash with hot water.
Once a week, throw your bedding and blankets in the washing machine and use hot water. -
Stick with machine washable items.
When choosing fabric-related items for your home, try to stick to items you can easily throw in the washing machine. Lack of regular washing is one of the most common causes of dust mites, says Bains. -
Vacuum regularly.
Use a HEPAvacuum
regularly on the surface of your mattress. This can help pull away the dust and skin cells that mites feed on.
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Protect your stuff.
Use mattress and pillow protectors to prevent dust mites from embedding themselves into these items, says Rubino. These protectors should also be washed regularly to keep them clean.
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Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we collaborate with professionals that possess specific expertise and power derived from pertinent education and experience. Additionally, we guarantee that all professional counsel and suggestions are given impartially and free from unreported financial conflicts of interest.
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Michael Rubino
is a mold and air quality expert and founder of
HomeCleanse
.
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Dr. Sukhkarn Bains
is an allergist-immunologist at theLos Angeles Center for Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy.
Why trust NBC Select?
Bethany Heitman is a journalist and contributor to NBC Select who frequently writes on lifestyle, home, and beauty. She spoke with authorities on dust mites and their removal for this piece.
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