Everything you need to know about dust mite allergies.

A Closer Look at Mites and Their Connection to Allergies.

Dust mites are tiny organisms, invisible to the naked eye, belonging to the arthropod phylum. They have an average lifespan of three months and thrive in warm and humid environments, ideally at a temperature of 77-86°F. This is why these microorganisms are primarily found in bedding, household linens, upholstered furniture, and carpets. Contrary to popular belief, they are only minimally present in the air, due to their relatively large size (10 to 35 μm in diameter). Therefore, we inhale them during household activities or at night, when allergens are close to the respiratory tract.

Dust mites can thrive even in a clean house.

If mites are responsible for allergic reactions, it's due to the allergenic antigens they produce, substances recognized by the human body's Immunoglobulin E (IgE). This recognition triggers the recruitment of immune cells such as basophils, eosinophils, and mast cells, causing an inflammatory reaction and the release of histamine. This histamine then causes an increase in the dilation of blood vessels and an activation of sensory nerves, which are the origin of the symptoms of mite allergies.

Good to Know : An allergy to dust mites is different from an allergy to cat or dog hair. Therefore, it is possible to have a pet while being sensitive to dust mites.

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10%

of the Swiss population is affected by dust mite allergies

10,000 dust mites

can be present in one gram of dust

Dust Mite Allergy: What are the Symptoms?

Dust mite allergies, often underestimated, can prove to be very burdensome in daily life. The associated symptoms usually manifest during the night or upon waking, times when exposure is at its peak because dust mites proliferate in warm and humid places like mattresses. Among the most common symptoms of dust mite allergies, we find the allergic rhinitis which is characterized by persistent nasal congestion accompanied by frequent sneezing and itching. A blocked nose is often associated with an overproduction of mucus, which can cause some respiratory discomfort.

Dust mite allergies are not confined to the respiratory tract: they can also affect the eyes and cause a allergic conjunctivitis. The eyes can then become red, irritated, watery, and ocular itching can occur throughout the day. In some individuals, an eczema-like skin rash may appear in the form of small red patches, accompanied by intense itching. This is particularly relevant for individuals suffering from atopic dermatitis, who see their usual symptoms worsen in the presence of dust mites.

How to recognize a dust mite allergy?

The symptoms of dust mite allergies resemble those of a common cold, pollen allergy, or pet hair allergy. However, each of these different conditions has unique characteristics that allow them to be distinguished from one another.

Characteristics	Dust Mite Allergy	Pollen Allergy	Allergy to Animal Fur	Common Cold
Main Symptoms	Runny or blocked nose, sneezing, irritated eyes, itching	Runny nose, sneezing, irritated eyes, scratchy throat, itching	Runny nose, sneezing, irritated eyes, itching	Runny or blocked nose, sore throat, cough, fatigue
Period of Onset	All year round, primarily in winter	Spring (tree pollen) or summer (grasses, herbs)	All year round, depending on interactions with animals	All year round, primarily in winter
Duration of Symptoms	Persistent as long as the exposure continues	Seasonal, associated with pollination periods	Varying based on exposure to animals	About one week
Fever	No	No	No	Possible mild fever

Caractéristiques des allergies aux acariens, au pollen et aux poils d'animaux et des rhumes.

If you are unsure whether your symptoms are due to a dust mite allergy, do not hesitate to seek advice from your doctor. They can perform a skin test or a blood draw, in order to confirm the allergy.

How to better live with a dust mite allergy?

In addition to antihistamines or corticosteroids frequently prescribed by doctors to alleviate dust mite allergies, certain simple actions can significantly reduce the presence of dust mites in a household, which are responsible for the symptoms. It is first necessary to take action within the bedroom, the favorite habitat of dust mites. It is recommended to opt for cotton sheets, covers, and pillowcases as they can be washed weekly at 140°F, the necessary temperature to eliminate dust mites. The use of dust mite-proof covers is also advisable.

To prevent the accumulation of dust and mites, it may also be relevant to simplify the bedroom layout by removing objects that attract dust, such as thick curtains, carpets, and rugs, and favor blinds, hardwood, or tile floors, which are easier to clean. It is also recommended to vacuum at least once a week, if possible with a HEPA filter, a high-efficiency air filter, and to dust surfaces and shelves each time with a damp cloth.

Finally, airing out the different rooms of the house for ten minutes each day can help slow down the proliferation of dust mites, as they prefer warm environments. Additionally, using a dehumidifier helps maintain the humidity level below 50%, a threshold that inhibits the multiplication of dust mites. All these measures, when combined, contribute to creating a less favorable environment for dust mites, and thus less conducive to allergic reactions.