Dust mites are tiny creatures that live in virtually every home. They thrive in warm, humid environments and are often found in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpeting. Although they are too small to see with the naked eye, they can significantly impact your family’s health. Here’s what you need to know about dust mites and why they are harmful.
What Are Dust Mites?
Dust mites are tiny creatures that are related to spiders and ticks. They thrive in warm, humid environments and feed on skin cells shed by humans and animals. A single mite can produce up to 20 fecal pellets per day!
Despite their small size, dust mites can greatly impact your family’s health. They are one of the leading triggers of asthma and allergies. In fact, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, as many as 20 million people in the United States suffer from dust mite allergies.
Symptoms of a dust mite allergy include sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. If you or a member of your family experiences these symptoms, it’s essential to see an allergist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
An allergist can perform a skin prick test or blood test to determine if dust mites are triggering your symptoms.
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Treatment for a Dust Mite Allergy
There is no cure for a dust mite allergy, but there are ways to manage the symptoms. Avoiding areas where they live is the best way to prevent an allergic reaction. If you must go into an area where dust mites live, make sure to wear a face mask and wash your clothes as soon as possible afterward.
You should also vacuum regularly and use special covers for your mattress and pillows. You may need to take medication or receive allergy shots if your symptoms are severe.
Dust Mite Allergy: Symptoms and Treatments
How To Reduce Dust Mite Exposure in Your Home
There is no way to eliminate dust mites from your home completely. However, there are things you can do to reduce your family’s exposure to them. Some simple tips include:
- Wash bedding in hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit) once a week
- Use allergen-proof bed covers
- Vacuum carpeting and upholstered furniture regularly with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter
- Keep indoor humidity levels below 50 percent
- Avoid stuffed toys
- Don’t allow pets on furniture
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Final thoughts
Dust mites are tiny creatures that live in virtually every home. They thrive in warm, humid environments and are often found in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpeting. Although they are too small to see with the naked eye, they can have a big impact on your family’s health.
By taking some simple steps to reduce your family’s exposure, you can help keep everyone healthy and allergy-free!
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