Key Facts About Dust Mite Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

February 12, 2024

How much do you know about dust mite allergies?

 

Dust mites belong to the order of Sarcoptiformes, family Pyroglyphidae, with a recorded total of 34 species. The main species associated with allergic diseases in humans are house dust mites, flour mites, and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Dust mite allergy patients not only need to take measures to prevent and control dust mites, but they may also have other allergies.

 

Mothers often complain that their babies have been coughing and having a runny nose for a long time without improvement, and they don't know the reason. It is important to note that besides a weakened immune system, if mothers find that their babies' cough, bronchitis, sneezing, and runny nose do not improve after a long period of medication, they should consider whether respiratory allergies are causing these "cold-like" symptoms. Otherwise, the child may be overmedicated without addressing the real problem. Respiratory allergies are often caused by allergens in the air, with dust mites being the most common allergen.

 

How much do you know about dust mite allergies?

 

Although there are various allergens indoors, dust mites are definitely the most common cause of allergies. In fact, it is not the mites themselves that cause allergies, but rather their excrement (a mite can produce about 20 waste particles per day, and there can be 100,000 of these particles in 1 gram of dust) and their dead bodies. Therefore, even if the inhaled mites are dead, they can still cause allergic symptoms. These substances are called "dust mite allergens".

 

Q1: What is the relationship between humidity and dust mites? Are there dust mites in the air?

 

A: Dust mites thrive in warm, humid, and dark environments. When indoor humidity is above 50%, the likelihood of dust mites in your home will reach 99.9%. Dust mites are tiny organisms, about the size of a needle tip, and are not visible to the naked eye. There are a large number of dust mites in house dust.

 

Dust mite control methods

 

1. Have a humidity meter at home and use the dehumidifying function of air conditioning or air purifiers to control humidity between 35% and 40%, effectively inhibiting the growth of mites and molds.

 

2. Open the windows to enhance ventilation and remove allergens.

 

3. Professional air purifiers with HEPA filters and ultraviolet sterilization technology can filter out bacteria, dust mites, and other particles larger than 0.5 millimeters and invisible to the naked eye, preventing them from circulating in the air. Such purification is usually thorough and effective.

 

Q2: Where are the common places for dust mites?

 

A: Dust mites thrive on human or animal (cat, dog) shed skin flakes and hair, so the places where they are likely to be found are bedding and clothing. Mattresses, pillows, carpets, curtains, stuffed toys, and sofas are the most common places. Infrequently washed clothes are also prone to mite infestation.


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