The first way to control dust mite allergy is to avoid house dust mites as much as possible. When you minimize your exposure to dust mites, you can expect fewer or less severe allergic reactions. However, it is impossible to completely eliminate dust mites in your environment. That’s why you need a treatment plan that’s right for you. In this article, we have written the details about the treatment of house dust mites for you.
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Allergy Drugs Used In The Treatment
First of all, if you suspect that you have allergies, you should see an allergist. Your allergist will determine whether you have a house dust allergy and the severity of your allergy with tests and some methods. The drugs used in the treatment may vary. Allergy medications aim to eliminate or alleviate your symptoms. Depending on your symptoms and the severity of your allergy, the medications you will use may vary. Medications that can be used to treat house dust mite allergy include:
Antihistamines
Antihistamines reduce the production of an immune system chemical that is active in an allergic reaction. These drugs relieve itching, sneezing and runny nose. Antihistamine drugs are available in different forms such as tablets, syrups, and sprays.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids, given as a nasal spray, can reduce inflammation and control allergy symptoms. Nasal corticosteroids provide a low dose of the drug and have a much lower risk of side effects compared to oral corticosteroids.
Decongestants
Decongestants can help shrink the swollen tissues in your nasal passages and make it easier to breathe through your nose. Decongestants taken as nasal sprays can reduce allergy symptoms for a short time. However, if you use a decongestant spray for more than three days in a row, it can make nasal congestion worse. For this reason, you should definitely use these drugs as recommended by your doctor.
Leukotriene Regulators
Leukotriene modifiers block the action of certain immune system chemicals. These medications can reduce or eliminate the discomfort caused by the symptoms.
Nasal Irrigation (Nasal Washing)
Clearing thickened mucus and irritants from your sinuses with a ready-made salt water rinse can provide relief. If you are preparing the saline solution yourself, use pollutant-free distilled, sterile, pre-boiled and cooled water, or filtered with a filter with an absolute pore size of 1 micron or less. Be sure to rinse the irrigation device with contaminant-free water after each use and allow it to air dry.
Immunotherapy (Allergy Vaccine)
You can train your immune system not to be sensitive to an allergen. Immunotherapy is given through a series of allergy shots or sublingual tablets. In this treatment method, you are exposed to very small amounts of allergens at regular intervals. The aim of treatment is to make your body get used to the allergen and react less. Immunotherapy can continue for 3 to 5 years. With this treatment, which has a very high success rate, drug use can be eliminated.
Avoiding House Dust Mites
Avoiding exposure to dust mites is the best strategy for controlling dust mite allergy. Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely eliminate dust mites from your home. But with some steps and practices you can take, you can significantly reduce your exposure to dust mites.
Use Allergen-Proof Bedding
Keep your mattress and pillows in dustproof or anti-allergen covers. Made of tightly woven fabric, these covers prevent dust mites from colonizing or escaping from bedding or pillows.
Wash Linens Once A Week
Wash all sheets, blankets, pillowcases and bedding in water at a temperature of at least 50 degrees Celsius to eliminate dust mites and remove allergens. Freezing non-washable items for 24 hours can also kill dust mites, but this will not eliminate the allergens.
Keep Humidity Low
Keep the relative humidity in your home below 50%. A dehumidifier or air conditioner can help keep humidity low, and a hygrometer can measure humidity levels.
Use Washable Stuffed Toys
Wash these toys frequently in hot water and dry them thoroughly. Also keep these toys away from beds.
Do Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning is essential to reduce the number of dust mites in your home. Wipe floors and dusty areas regularly. Vacuuming carpets and upholstered furniture removes dust from the surface; however, vacuuming is not effective at removing most dust mites and house dust mite allergens. Use a vacuum cleaner with a double-layer microfilter bag or a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to help reduce household dust emissions from the vacuum. If your allergy is severe, stay away from the swept area while someone else is doing the work. Wait approximately two hours before returning to the cleaned room.
Remove Carpets And Other Dust Mite Habitats
Carpet provides a comfortable habitat for dust mites. This is especially true if the carpet is on concrete, which traps moisture easily and provides a moist environment for mites. If possible, replace wall-to-wall bedroom rugs with tile, wood, linoleum or vinyl floors. Consider replacing other dust-collecting furniture in bedrooms, such as upholstered furniture, non-washable curtains, and horizontal blinds.
Make Your Living Space Suitable For Your Allergies
Dust mites are found in many places and are relatively difficult to remove. These dust mites find a living space in every area of your home, regardless of hygiene and cleaning. Therefore, it is useful to have as few items as possible. Using washable products will help reduce dust mite numbers. Instead of carpets, you can use rug-style items that you can wash frequently. You can use allergen-proof bedding, especially in your bedroom.
