Dust Mite Allergy

If you frequently experience sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, and wheezing when exposed to dusts, then you may have allergic rhinitis or dust mite allergy.  Allergic rhinitis can be caused either by pollen or dust mites. 

Dust mites may be found in fabrics, animal dander and various kinds of surfaces. These substances can be found in your sofa, your bed, mattresses, flooring, carpets, window curtains, etc. Your dogs, cats, hamsters and other pets also carry dust mites on their hair and skin.  Insect wastes are also a favorite home environment for dust mite. These microscopic elements can survive both hot and cold environment.  You can actually see dead particles of dust mites floating in the air if you take a closer look at a shaft of sunlight.

Dust mites flourish more rapidly on your bed more than in other place in your house.  This is because dust mites love human bodies because they are a good source of food and heat for these particles.  Thus, everyone must be aware of the importance of cleanliness to prevent dust mites and allergies.  How can you get rid of dust mites?

One way to do this is to change your bedding at least once a week.  For those with dust mite allergy, it is best to soak your beddings, blankets and pillowcases in a hot water as research shows that hot temperatures can kill dust mites.  Another way to kill dust mites is by putting them in a plastic bag and placing them inside a freezer for 48 hours.  After that, wash your beddings to rinse away these bacteria.  You may also try to use anti-bacterial detergents that are available in the market when washing your laundry.

Another way to prevent the buildup of dust mites is by using anti-dust mite beddings.  Special porous fabrics are woven for these beddings, which prevent dust mites from getting in.  This is because dust mites bury themselves inside your pillow during daytime.  Using anti-dust mite pillowcases and sheets protect you from dust mites thriving on your body.  Another practical tip is not to go to bed with damp hair as dust mites thrive on moisture.

If you have carpets in your flooring, make sure that these are regularly vacuumed using the right vacuum cleaner.  A vacuum with rotating brushes is best as this prevents spreading the dust mites in the air.  Have your carpets steamed at least once in a month to make sure that dust mites will not live there.  In addition, it would be better to ask someone else to do the vacuuming for you if you have a dust mite allergy.  Better yet, skip the carpeting and stick to wood or tiled flooring instead.