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- Allergy or Non-allergic hypersensitivity?
- Profile of Allergy
- Nature of Allergens
- Risk factors of Allergy
- Symptoms of Allergy
- Immune process in Allergy
- Maternal factors in Allergy
- Allergy tests
- Diagnostic procedures for food Allergy
- Food Allergy in infants and children
- Food Allergy in adults
- House dust mite Allergy
- Rhinitis
- Eye Allergy (Conjunctivitis)
- Asthma
- Urticaria/ Hives
- Atopic Dermatitis/ Eczema
- Contact Dermatitis
- Anaphylaxis
- Allergen Immunotherapy
- Effect of Probiotics in Allergy
- Sick Building Syndrome
- Air pollution and Allergy
- Unproven Allergy tests
- Nutritional Supplements in Allergy
- Allergy in Autistic children
House dust mite allergy
The majority of asthma and/or runny nose are caused by allergy to house dust mites in Malaysia. In addition infantile eczema or its equivalent in older children and adults may get better in some cases through avoiding house dust mites and house dust. There is evidence to show that house dust mites may be involved in causing eczema. However, in most cases food allergy may partly or wholly cause childhood eczema.
House dust mites are tiny (up to 0.3 mm) microscopic creatures related to ticks and spiders and feed on human and animal skin flakes. They are not visible to the naked eye. Dust mites thrive in mattress, pillows, beddings, carpets, clothes, soft toys and soft furnishings. All houses have dust mites but some houses contain huge numbers while other houses contain less numbers. The number of dust mites in homes depends on many factors including cleanliness of house, quantity of upholstered material in house, carpeted area in house and amount of moisture in house. In general dry houses in very cold climates or on high mountains have few mites but houses in temperate or tropical climates at normal altitudes have large numbers. Dust mites in large numbers have been recorded in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. People are allergic to the proteins in the dust mite fecal droppings (faeces) and dead dust mites. These droppings contain left-over gut enzymes which are highly allergenic. These enzymes are mainly responsible for causing asthma and other allergic diseases. There is ample proof that avoidance of house dust mites can not only reduce the symptoms of allergy and asthma but dramatically reduce the requirement for medications needed to control these symptoms. Always consult you allergy doctor when in doubt.
How to get rid of house dust mites? It is not easy and takes a huge effort to reduce the house dust mite allergens in homes. It is important to reduce the house dust more than 100 times before significant changes may be seen. However, reduction of dust mite allergens in the home is tremendously worthwhile and beneficial to the asthmatic patient. Some avoidance measures include the following.
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Regular cleaning is essential. Use good quality vacuum cleaners since conventional cleaners blow back a share of the dust mite allergens into the room. Vacuum thoroughly at least twice a week.
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Carpets should be avoided. The best floors are wooden, vinyl or linoleum that can be washed regularly. If carpets are needed in the house than steam-clean at least once-a-year and have them treated with anti-dust mite solutions at least four times annually.
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Bookcases and display cabinets should be closed. Old newspapers and magazines should be removed from the house. Keep the house well ventilated.
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Live house plants or artificial flowers should be removed from indoors or kept to the minimum.
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Heavy drapes should be replaced by non-porous light synthetic fabric.
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Reduction of humidity below 50% by dehumidifiers is most effective in reducing dust mites in the house. Probably not a viable option in the tropics.
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Air conditioners and filters should be cleaned regularly.
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Encase mattresses and pillows with Demitze allergicovers. Avoid woolen blankets or replace with washable quilts.
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Wash bed linen and pillow cases in hot water (60 degrees) weekly. Cold water does not kill dust mites.
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No stuffed toys, thick heavy curtains, upholstered furniture and clutter in bed room. Keep the bedroom bare.
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Pets should never be allowed into the bed room.
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Safe chemical sprays, such as Demitze anti-dust mite spray, can effectively kill dust mites and should be used every 3 to 4 months on beddings, carpets, rugs, furry toys, fabric sofa and wherever dust is present. Conventional insect sprays cannot kill dust mites.
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The use of an air-cleaner, for example Austin Jr, may reduce airborne allergens in the bedroom or other rooms when used continuously. Recent studies show that airborne dust mite allergens may be present even with other measure in place in the house since dust mite can multiply in every nook and corner where house dust can accumulate.