What are dust mites?
Dust mites are tiny creatures that can be found in your home. There are many different species of dust mites, all of which can survive in a typical home environment. Dust mites feed on the microscopic flakes of skin that you shed each day, which commonly build up in furniture and other areas of your home over time. These creatures are so small that you cannot see them with the naked eye; however, under a microscope they appear as eight-legged white bugs–similar to a spider.
Can dust mites make me sick?
Many people have dust mite allergies, which result in annoying, uncomfortable, and even painful symptoms. Because it is often impossible to completely rid a home of dust mites, an ear, nose, and throat doctor may be recommended to help lessen the symptoms of dust mite allergies.
What are some common dust allergy symptoms?
You may notice the following house dust mite symptoms before seeing a dust mite allergy doctor:
- Itchy eyes, throat, skin, or top of mouth
- Red eyes
- Watery eyes
- Postnasal drip
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Poor sleep hygiene
- Year-round allergy symptoms
How is a dust mite allergy diagnosed?
A dust mite allergy can be diagnosed by an ear, nose, and throat physician during an in-office exam. Your doctor will likely give you a physical exam and ask you about the symptoms you are experiencing. If needed. One of the following dust mite allergy tests may be used to confirm your condition:
- Blood testing for a specific allergen
- Skin prick testing (SPT)
What is the easiest way to get rid of dust mites?
Dust mites are very hard to completely get rid of from your home, especially since they are invisible to the human eye. In most cases, an ear, nose, and throat doctor will prescribe medications or other treatment options to help you alleviate your symptoms. Your allergy doctor might recommend one or more of the following dust mite allergy treatments:
- Antihistamines to alleviate itching and other symptoms
- Corticosteroid nasal spray to block nasal inflammation and congestion
- Cromolyn sodium nasal spray to block the body’s response to the allergen
- Decongestants to relieve congestion
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists to block allergic reactions
If you are suffering from dust mite reactions, the first step is to consult with a sleep health expert. Ear, nose, and throat specialists at eos sleep have extensive experience in treating ear, nose, and throat conditions as well as sleep-related problems. Call 212.873.6036 today or fill out the form on this page to schedule an appointment or to learn more about eos sleep treatment options.