Dust Mite Allergy Care for Children and Adults
Asthma & Allergy Care, P.C. treats children and adults with dust mite allergy, offering testing, management guidance, and treatment options tailored to each patient.
What Is Dust Mite Allergy
Dust mites are microscopic creatures that live in household dust. They are one of the most common indoor allergens. Dust mites feed on shed skin cells and thrive in warm, humid environments such as bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpeting.
Because dust mites live indoors year-round, exposure occurs continuously rather than seasonally. This sets dust mite allergy apart from pollen allergies, which tend to flare during specific times of year. Both children and adults can develop sensitivity to dust mite proteins.
Dust mite allergy is closely connected to asthma and allergic rhinitis. Patients with asthma who are also allergic to dust mites may notice their airways react to ongoing indoor exposure. Allergic rhinitis symptoms triggered by dust mites often persist throughout the year rather than coming and going with the seasons.
Symptoms
Dust mite allergy symptoms can affect children and adults and may occur throughout the year.
Sneezing
Repeated sneezing that occurs indoors, particularly in bedrooms or areas with carpeting and upholstered furniture.
Nasal Congestion
A stuffy or blocked nose that can persist throughout the year rather than following a seasonal pattern.
Itchy Nose or Eyes
Itching and irritation of the nose, eyes, or throat linked to ongoing exposure to dust mite allergens.
Cough
A persistent cough that may worsen at night or after time spent in dusty indoor spaces.
Asthma Exacerbation
In patients with asthma, dust mite exposure can trigger worsening of asthma symptoms and breathing difficulty.
Diagnosis
Allergy Skin Testing
Skin testing exposes a small area of skin to dust mite allergen extract to check for a reaction. This is a common method used to identify dust mite sensitivity in both children and adults.
Blood Testing
Blood testing measures antibodies related to dust mite allergen in a blood sample. This option may be used when skin testing is not suitable for a particular patient.
Reducing Dust Mite Exposure
Simple changes at home can lower dust mite exposure for children and adults with dust mite allergy.
Bedding Encasements
Covering mattresses, box springs, and pillows with allergen-proof encasements limits contact with dust mites during sleep.
Wash Bedding in Hot Water
Washing sheets, pillowcases, and blankets regularly in hot water helps remove dust mites and their waste.
Reduce Clutter
Removing unnecessary fabric items, stacks of paper, and clutter reduces surfaces where dust mites can accumulate.
HEPA Vacuuming
Vacuuming carpets and upholstered furniture with a HEPA filter helps capture dust mite allergen rather than redistributing it into the air.
Dehumidification
Keeping indoor humidity low makes the home environment less hospitable for dust mites, since they thrive in humid conditions.
Treatment
Treatment for dust mite allergy is individualized and may include one or more of the following approaches for children and adults.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines can help relieve sneezing, itching, and nasal symptoms associated with dust mite allergy.
Nasal Corticosteroids
Nasal corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the nasal passages caused by ongoing exposure to dust mite allergen.
Asthma Medications
When dust mite allergy contributes to asthma symptoms, asthma medications may be used as part of a treatment plan.
Immunotherapy Options
Immunotherapy exposes the immune system to small amounts of dust mite allergen over time and may be considered for eligible patients.
What to Bring
Preparing these items ahead of the appointment helps the visit run smoothly.
Insurance Card
Bring a current insurance card so coverage can be verified before the visit.
Referral, If Required
Bring any referral required by your insurance plan for allergy or immunology care.
Medication List
Bring a list of current medications, including dosages, for both children and adults.
New and existing patient forms can be completed ahead of your visit to save time in the office.
Schedule a Dust Mite Allergy Evaluation
Asthma & Allergy Care, P.C. sees children and adults for dust mite allergy at four New Jersey office locations, with Saturday hours available for added convenience.