However tiny mites may be, they can have a big impact on your health. That’s particularly true if you or anyone in your home suffers from allergies. The connection between mites and allergies is well documented, with mites being among the most common indoor allergens.
That’s why understanding how mites contribute to allergic reactions and managing their presence in your home can greatly improve your quality of life. Today, we will explore the connection between mites and allergies, discuss some of the symptoms you should watch for, and provide a few strategies to help you reduce your exposure to mites.
The Role of Mites in Allergies
Dust mites, also known as bed mites, are the most common source of indoor allergens. These microscopic arachnids thrive in warm, humid environments and feed on the dead skin cells that humans and pets shed. Dust mites themselves aren’t harmful, but the proteins in their droppings and body parts are strong allergens.
When those particles become airborne, they’re very easy to inhale, so any sensitive people can have allergic reactions. Dust mites are commonly found in bedding, carpets, upholstered furniture, and curtains. Anywhere dust and skin cells accumulate, that’s where they’ll be.
Now, dust mites aren’t the only type of mites linked to allergies. There are also storage mites, which are commonly found in food products like flour, grains, and dried fruits. They can also trigger allergic reactions, particularly if you have respiratory issues. Spider mites and clover mites also contribute to indoor allergen levels because they can cause skin irritation.
3 Types of Allergy Symptoms Caused by Mites
How can you tell that your allergies are caused by mites? Well, there are a few types of symptoms to consider:
- Respiratory Symptoms
Frequent sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and postnasal drip are some of the most common symptoms of dust mite allergies. They’re often mistaken for colds, but they last longer, so keep that in mind. There’s also persistent coughing, especially at night or early in the morning. If you have asthma, the symptoms can be more severe, including wheezing and shortness of breath. Lastly, itchy, red, and watery eyes, combined with an itchy throat, are other common signs of mite-related allergies. If you’re checking all these boxes, you need a solution to your mite problem ASAP.
2. Skin Reactions
Dust mite allergies can also cause skin reactions, so that’s another thing to consider. For example, they can trigger eczema (red, itchy, and inflamed skin) or make it worse. Dust mite allergies can also cause hives and rashes, but these symptoms aren’t as common unless you have very sensitive skin.
3. Poor Sleep
Allergic reactions to dust mites can definitely lead to poor sleep quality due to nasal congestion, coughing, and itching. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for allergy symptoms to feel worse in the morning. Remember, bedding is one of the dust mites’ most common homes. If you spend the entire night breathing in their allergens, it makes sense to wake up feeling like your allergies are at their peak.
How to Deal With Mite-Related Allergies
First of all, frequent cleaning is essential to reduce dust mite populations in your home. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture at least once a week using a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which traps small particles like dust mite allergens.
You also need to wash your bedding in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) once a week to kill dust mites and remove allergens. Consider using allergen-proof covers for mattresses, pillows, and duvets to prevent mites from penetrating the fabric.
Since dust mites thrive in humidity, you need to keep your indoor levels below 50% to keep their population under control. You can use dehumidifiers for this, especially in spaces like bathrooms and basements. Another thing you can do is use non-toxic mite sprays to keep things under control even more effectively.
Conclusion
Mites are a common source of indoor allergens that can significantly impact your health, particularly if you suffer from allergies or asthma. The good thing is the more you know about how mites and allergies are connected, the more proactive steps you’ll be able to take. If allergies are a part of your daily existence and they’re affecting your quality of life, consulting with a healthcare professional is a must, and so is keeping your home safe from tiny pests. Regular cleaning, humidity control, and the use of non-toxic mite treatments are essential for that!
