Our immune system is responsible for protecting us from the damage that elements outside our body can cause, such as viruses or bacteria. However, some people develop an exaggerated immune response to exposure to certain features that, under normal conditions, would not have to cause such a strong response, which is very commonly known as an allergic or hypersensitivity response. Certain elements are common causes of allergic reactions and are called allergens. In this FastlyHealarticle, we want to give you information about one of the most common allergies worldwide. We invite you to continue reading our article on mite allergy: symptoms and treatment.
Table of Contents
What is an allergy to mites?
Mites are tiny insects that live in dust and are generally found in many homes. Mites do not bite or enter the human body. Still, they are producers of small waste particles, such as their feces or parts of their body when they die, that remain floating in the air and can interact excessively with the immune system of people who are sensitive to such waste, which is known as an allergic reaction.
Mites are commonly found in different places away from sunlight in homes. These insects feed on human skin scales and shed as part of the standard skin repair and renewal process. The most common sites where mites can be found are the following:
- Mattresses, sheets, and pillows.
- Upholstered furniture.
- Curtains.
- Rugs
- Plush toys.
Mite allergy: symptoms
In practically all cases of allergy to mites, the reaction is usually of low intensity, so it is generally more of a situation that causes discomfort and less something that represents a risk to the life of the affected person. The most common mite allergy symptoms are:
- Rinoconjuntivitis
- Nasal itching
- eloquent
- Frequent sneezing
- Nasal tamponade
- Nasal irritation
- Nasal bleeding
- Itchy eye
- Tearing
- Eye irritation
- Legañas
- Shortness of breath
- Dry cough
- Wheezing
- Asthma (in advanced cases)
Treatment of allergy to mites
The treatment for allergy to mites is the same as that used for many types of allergies, based mainly on the consumption of antihistamine drugs. These drugs block the action of a chemical mediator released in the presence of the allergen, called histamine, which is responsible for producing the symptoms of the hypersensitivity reaction.
Generally, the most used drug is Cetirizine, which is available over the counter, but its side effects must be considered. These can cause drowsiness or, in other people, produce agitation. It should be assumed that these drugs should be administered under a doctor’s prescription, so it is recommended to attend the allergist to determine the cause of the reaction and, thus, determine what type of medication is appropriate for each case.
The doctor will indicate the most appropriate way to consume the antihistamine so that its side effects do not affect day-to-day development. In general, the most recommended is to take antihistamines at least half an hour before sleeping since one of its main side effects is drowsiness, and added to this is the fact that beds and pillows are usually the nests of mites.
Eliminating mites from our homes is practically impossible due to the ease with which they manage to nest again the surfaces of the house, which they reach with the help of dust. However, frequently removing the dust that accumulates on furniture and other surfaces can significantly help decrease the frequency with which a person sensitive to mites has allergic reactions. This care should be taken mainly in our bedrooms. If the affected person is a child, it is recommended to avoid having stuffed animals in the beds since they are usually the favorite habitat of mites.
The following article explains how to eliminate mites from the baby’s environment.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Allergy to mites: symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Immune system category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.