Should I Worry about Dust Mites? Yes & No, Find out Here.
Dust Mites are among the most well-known microscopic creatures that can be found in almost all households in the world. Contrary to popular thought, dust mites are not insects. These mites are actually 8-legged arachnids, which belong to the “arthropod” family, and are related to fleas and spiders.
Even with the knowledge of knowing that these dust mites exists in the household, we still strive to look for ways to get rid of them. These little creatures may cause Dust Mite allergy or asthma to some people. The allergens are actually the dust mite’s feces and body parts.
Imagine cleaning your downstairs basement. While cleaning you accidentally bumped on a pile of dusty boxes, as it fell to the ground it released all of the dust to the air causing you to inhale them. Doing so, you start to cough, sneeze, your eyes start watering, etc. these are common reactions of most people to dust.
As you start inhaling huge amounts of basement accumulated dust, knowing for a fact that dust contains dust mites you start wondering. “Should I Worry about Dust Mites?”
Dr. Hamsa Subramanian, an Allergy & Immunology Specialist from the Signature Medical Group, indicated that many of us will have simple reactions towards dust (such as sneezing, coughing, facial pressure, congestion, etc.) but some will be affected in a severe way. She said that reactions to dust mites may include eye allergies and some may experience their eczema flaring up leading them to be diagnosed and be given dust mite treatments.
Dr. Valerie Verhasselt, MD, PhD even published a video on YouTube talking about how dust mite allergen may be a potential contributor to intestinal barrier dysfunction. To find out more about this information, click here to proceed to the Youtube video.
What even are Dust Mites?
Dust mites are microscopic, insect-like pests that generate indoor substances that can trigger allergic reactions. If you’ve seen a photograph of a dust mite under a microscopic, you would be horrified and think that these mites are parasites. To help take your thoughts away from this idea, dust mites don’t actually bite nor sting. They simply float around in the air or on accumulated dusts and feed on flakes of human skins and fiber from cottons.
Technically, dust mites are not harmful to us humans for they don’t pose a huge threat to our existence. But to some people their fecal matter and loose body parts may trigger allergic reactions. According to the American Lung Association, 4 out of 5 homes in the US have detectable levels of dust mites allergen.
Dust Mites come from…
Dust mites are creatures that prefer to live in an extremely humid environment, especially if that environment contains huge amounts of flakes of human skins. These creatures do not require water to exist, unlike us humans, they simply absorb moisture in the air; hence, the mite’s preference for humid places.
What to do when you have an Allergic Reaction to Dust Mites?
There may be a majority of us who have little to no allergic reactions towards dust mites. But there are some who may experience a severe reaction when exposed to it for a long period of time.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology suggests that if you have developed a reaction you must see an allergist for possible medications. Possible medications include:
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- Allergy Shots
- Oral Immunotherapy (Tablets)
- Or simply changes to household routine.
Managing Dust Mites
Dust mites cannot be removed entirely, these creatures have been on earth since the beginning of time. Though many organization and associations have listed several ways for us to manage them. According to the American Lung Association, there are different ways for you to manage dust mites infestations at home to lessen the possible allergic effects it may pose to your family. These methods include:
Reduce Humidity
Like what was stated, humidity is one of the main reasons why dust mites exists. They don’t have to drink water like many humans and animals do, they simply need to absorb the moisture in the air. The American Lung Association suggested to keep the household humidity below 50% and have air-conditioning. Another suggestion is the possibility of dehumidifying the environment.
There are dozens of possible dehumidifiers you can purchase online. If you are looking for a possible dehumidifier that can lower environment humidity in big spaces such as the living room. You might want to consider getting the Ivation Energy Star Dehumidifier. This dehumidifier can provide a cool and comfortable environment of up to 4,500 square feet by removing about 50 pints of moisture per day. With this dehumidifier you would be able to prevent your household from forming mold, mildew, dust, allergens and odors for a healthier are. One outstanding feature of this dehumidifier is that it is Energy Star Certified meaning that it helps save the energy, money and the environment. It has a 4.1/5.0 rating on amazon with 257 reviews and is an Amazon’s Choice Product. If you are interested in buying this product, click here to proceed to amazon.
For individuals who are looking for dehumidifiers that are not as huge as the first one mentioned. I suggest to go for the Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier. This product is perfect for rooms that are about 150 square feet and it is compact and portable. It is capable of removing about 9 ounces of water prepay with a 16-ounce water tank capacity. Another amazing feature of this product is that it is extremely quiet and efficient; it has a built-in Thermo Electric Cooling Technology (Peltier) meaning a quieter operations. It has a 4.3/5.0 rating on amazon and is an Amazon’s Choice product. To purchase this dehumidifier click here to proceed to Amazon.
Reduce Places where Dust Mites can Grow
Another suggestion by the American Lung Association is to remove furnitures that have smooth surfaces, eliminating drapes and curtain. You can possible even cover mattresses and pillows to reduce the accumulation of dust mites. The association also suggests to wash your beddings at least once a week with hot water, especially when you have an individual in the house that is prone to allergic reactions towards dust.
For individuals who have been diagnosed with a dust mite allergy, or any allergies related to dust, I suggest to purchase the National Allergy 300 Cotton Bed Mattress Protector. This mattress protector is made up of 100% cotton and manufactured only in the United States. It has fully-zipped protection that can ensure full coverage with an auto locking zipper. The cotton is 100% breathable cotton with a super-tight woven pattern for ultimate protection and comfort. With the power of 100% cotton it is gives comfort exceptionally and feels smooth without the risk of accumulating dust. Unlike other mattresses cover it has a pore size of about 3.44 microns ensuring dust mites and other allergens won’t get through. It comes in different sizes but the best seller is the Queen size. The mattress protector has a 4.5/5.0 rating on Amazon with 348 reviews and is an Amazon’s Choice product. Another feature customer’s pointed out about this product is its durable cotton that resits shrinkage when it’s time for it to hit the laundry machine. To purchase the National Allergy 300 Bed Mattress Protector, click here to proceed to Amazon.
Replace Carpets
Carpets to dust mites are like the dust mite sanctuary. This is the perfect breeding ground for million of millions of dust mites. Carpets stay on a specified place for long period of time and can accumulate huge amounts of dust. On average a human being shed about 1.5 million skin flakes each day, imagine a huge percentage of that just lying on your carpet. Carpets easily absorb moisture which means it’s vulnerable to producing mold which may cause allergic reactions.
If you have a household member that is extremely allergic to dust mites, it is suggested by the American Lung Association to remove the carpets immediately and stick with normal floors.
For individuals who are looking for a simple allergy relief, you can go to Amazon and purchase Xyzal Allergy Pills. These pills provide 24-hour allergy relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing; itchy, watery eyes; runny nose; itchy nose and throat. This pill is available with our a prescription, it simply provide a relief against allergy symptoms which are their worst state. It has a 4.75.0 rating on amazon with 1639 reviews and is an Amazon’s Choice product. To purchase these pills online, click here to proceed to Amazon.
Damp Mop Floors Often.
When dusting furnitures or even simple house ornaments use a damp mop or damp cloth to reduce the amount of dust stirred up when cleaning. Have you ever noticed sometimes when you’re cleaning using a dry cloth you’re simply moving the dusts to another place? It’s suggested to use a damp cloth instead. Also use a vacuum cleaner with high efficient filter when vacuuming.
Final Thoughts
No matter what we do, no matter how clean we are with our homes dust mites will also be there. All we can do is try to limit their population by following simple steps and methods provided by reliable sources. In case of household members experiencing sever allergic reactions towards dust, contact an allergist immediately for possible medications and home alterations.