MANAGING AND LIVING WITH

DUST ALLERGY

What is a dust allergy?

Dust is probably the most common cause of allergic disease in Australia.

Dust allergy is caused by indoor allergens, of which dust mites (microscopic organisms) are the most common cause. Other potential triggers for dust allergy include cockroaches, moulds, pet hair, fur and feathers.

Dust allergy typically causes year-round symptoms that include various combinations of sneezing, itchy and watery eyes and nasal congestion. In addition, dust allergy is also important for many patients with asthma and atopic eczema.

Dust mite faecal particles are often found in pillows, mattresses, carpeting and upholstered furniture. Patients have their most exposure when sleeping in their beds at night, or when cleaning. Vacuuming rooms stirs these particles which float in the air and cause allergic reactions when inhaled. The warm humid climate of Southeast Queensland is very conducive to dust mites, which flourish year-round.

How to avoid dust

Even though dust allergens are small, invisible and difficult to avoid, there is good evidence that simple avoidance measures can significantly alleviate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, asthma and eczema in sensitized individuals. Here is a list of simple steps that will go a long way in reducing your exposure and the symptoms of dust allergy.

Where possible, replace wall-to-wall carpets with hardwood flooring. This is an important consideration if you are building or renovating your home.

Avoid heavy fabric curtains, sheepskins and electric blankets in the bedroom. Soft toys kept at the bedside are significant sources of exposure for children. Essential soft toys that cannot be removed, can instead be treated by placing them in a plastic bag and leaving it in the freezer overnight. The freezing process kills the dust mites!

Housecleaning: put your effort in keeping your house, especially bedrooms tidy and clean. Damp-dust surfaces regularly. Make use of natural ventilation and sunshine. Allow air circulation even in winters and avoid overheating. Keeping relative humidity less than 50% helps inhibit growth of dust mites.

Vacuum frequently using either central vacuum cleaners or those that come with inbuilt HEPA filters. If possible, vacuuming should be done at a time when the allergic person is not at home and should be avoided at night-time. If the patient himself or herself must do the vacuuming, they should ensure that they use an appropriate face mask (N95).

Use “mite-proof” cases on your mattresses and pillows. These specific covers can be bought from most of the superstores, as well as online provider such as Mitey Fresh. Wash all bed linens regularly, using hot water.

Keep a HEPA air cleaner running in the allergic person’s bedroom. Humidifiers should be avoided.

If cockroaches are a known problem, use roach traps and schedule regular visits by a professional pest control service.

Treatment

Unfortunately, despite good adherence to above measures, dust allergy can be a severe and progressive disease.

Ongoing symptoms, especially if they are severe enough to affect your day-to-day living, are an indication for you to see and allergy specialist.

Your specialist will confirm the diagnosis, often this is through your history and simple bedside skin prick tests. After a dust allergy is identified, your treatment options would include:

MANAGING AND LIVING WITH

DUST ALLERGY

What is a dust allergy?

How to avoid dust

Where possible, replace wall-to-wall carpets with hardwood flooring. This is an important consideration if you are building or renovating your home.

Use “mite-proof” cases on your mattresses and pillows. These specific covers can be bought from most of the superstores, as well as online provider such as Mitey Fresh. Wash all bed linens regularly, using hot water.

Keep a HEPA air cleaner running in the allergic person’s bedroom. Humidifiers should be avoided.

If cockroaches are a known problem, use roach traps and schedule regular visits by a professional pest control service.

Treatment

Medications; such as oral antihistamines, intranasal steroid sprays or asthma puffers when indicated.

Allergen immunotherapy, either as injections (allergy shots) or sublingual tablets. This is the most effective treatment option available.

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