Medical Health Tests Diseases and Tests Allergy Dust Allergy

A dust allergy is an allergy to almost any and every allergen present in the atmosphere. Dust allergies are usually allergies to dust mites, dust particles, pollen, mold, dander and even chemicals in the atmosphere. Dust allergies are quite quick to show effects.

Causes

Dust can be formed as a result of anything and is rarely a reflection on cleaning abilities. Dust can be created by pets, furniture, location of living, plants in the house and many other seasonal factors. A fleck of dust can contain everything from human skin to pet dander to lint to other living organisms like bacteria and fungi and of course dust mites. Dust mites are one of the primary causes of dust allergy.

Dust mites are common in warm and humid climates and are found all over the house. Invisible to the naked eye, these mites live off dead skin of humans and animals. Dust mites are the most common cause for hay fever or allergic rhinitis along with triggering attacks of asthma in children. People who are allergic to pet dander will also react to dust that contains dander.

Usually if you have a cold or a runny nose through the year, it might be because you are actually allergic to something. There are different tests that are done to determine dust allergy but the best way is to slowly eliminate various factors from your life and watch for improvement in symptoms.

Symptoms

The symptoms of dust allergies in adults include sneezing, nasal irritation, coughing, stuffy nose and ear, difficulty in breathing, itchy throat and atopic dermatitis. There can even be more acute symptoms depending on the seasonality and whether the person is indoors. Sometimes the symptoms are aggravated when indoors and during spring and summer months. Dust allergies are also known as hay fever.

It becomes very difficult to control the incidence of dust in our lives especially those of dust mites. They exist everywhere and it becomes difficult to constantly clean as dust mites are present everywhere. Dust allergy symptoms in children are often due to dust mites and can be quite acute. Children will typically have allergy symptoms all through the year. Childrens bodies react to the proteins found in the dust mite, which are present in the feces and body of these mites. These symptoms can be worse in infants especially in infants who suffer from eczema. Eczema can get aggravated in case of dust allergies. If the reactions are getting worse it might be an indication that your childs bedding needs to be cleaned and disinfected.

Treatment

The best dust allergy treatment is prevention of symptoms as far as possible.

• You can have antihistamines or even stronger injections but the best bet is to improve your health and surrounding to avoid dust allergy triggers.
• You can try eye drops, nasal drops and decongestants to reduce the effect of the symptoms.
• Taking medication decreases your immune strength.
• Keep your bedding, furniture and carpeting as clean as you can. Change the covers often. Dry the pillows and mattresses in the sun.
• A regular cleaning of the house helps address problems like mold which has also been known to aggravate dust allergies. Keeping the house cool and well-ventilated is a good way to begin.
• You could even try switching to hypoallergenic bedding which is believed to keep allergies at bay. If you can do away with carpets and use rugs, it might make life a little easier for you. If you cannot do without carpets, remember to regularly vacuum the carpet.
• If you have pets, it is important to keep them clean and if need be, relegate them to specific areas of the house so that you minimize the risk of dander all over.
• When you are cleaning the house or even changing the bedding, it could trigger another attack so if you are prone to attacks, you could ask help from others to do it for you.
• Improve your immunity by eating a balanced diet and getting enough rest.
• Make your life easier and eliminate as much clutter from your life, literally. Put away knick knacks on display. They arent dust catchers for fun! Keep your clothes in closed compartments. Avoid ornate objects on display or ever ornate furniture.
• Keep upholstery easy to clean and if you cannot change the fabrics, try putting slip covers on them that are washable as it helps control the dust mites.
• Keep windows closed especially in seasons where pollen is predominant.
• Install central air conditioning if you can afford it and keep humidity level.
• If your child is allergy-prone, avoid feather bedding for the child.
• Do not keep stuffed toys in the crib with the child.
• Limit unnecessary exposure to dust and over a period of time, along with building immunity, you would learn to deal and cope with dust allergies without major any difficulty.