Medicines for House dust mite allergy

What it is

House dust mite allergy is a common allergy to tiny creatures (dust mites) that live in household dust, particularly in warm, humid places where they feed on shed human skin flakes — such as mattresses, bedding, soft furnishings, carpets and soft toys. It is actually proteins in the mites' droppings and bodies that trigger the allergic reaction. Because dust mites are present all year round, dust mite allergy typically causes persistent (year-round) symptoms, rather than seasonal ones — such as sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy nose and eyes (a form of allergic rhinitis often worse in the morning), and it can also trigger or worsen asthma and eczema in people prone to these. It is very common and, while not dangerous in itself, can significantly affect sleep, comfort and quality of life, and its link with asthma makes it important. It is identified from the pattern of symptoms and, where needed, allergy testing.

How it is treated

Management combines reducing exposure to dust mites with treating the allergic symptoms, and managing any associated asthma or eczema. Reducing dust mite exposure — particularly in the bedroom, where people spend a lot of time — can help: measures include using allergen-proof (mite-proof) covers on mattresses, duvets and pillows, washing bedding regularly at a hot temperature, reducing humidity and ventilating the home, minimising soft furnishings, carpets and clutter where practical, and regular cleaning (ideally with a vacuum with a good filter). It is worth noting that completely eliminating dust mites is difficult, so these measures reduce rather than remove exposure. For symptoms, treatments used for allergic rhinitis are effective — such as steroid nasal sprays, antihistamines, and eye drops — and managing any asthma with the usual treatments is important. Where symptoms are troublesome despite these, a doctor can advise, and in some cases allergy immunotherapy (desensitisation) is considered under specialist care. The reassuring message is that dust mite allergy is common and manageable with a combination of reducing exposure and treating symptoms.