Dust mites allergy
Allergy to house dust mite droppings, a year-round trigger.
About dust mites allergy
House dust mites are microscopic relatives of spiders that live in bedding, mattresses, upholstered furniture, carpets and soft toys, feeding on the tiny flakes of shed human skin. The allergy is not to the mite itself but mainly to proteins in its droppings, which become airborne in house dust and are breathed in. When a sensitised person inhales them, the immune system produces IgE antibodies, driving an allergic reaction. Dust mite allergy is one of the most common inhalant allergies in the UK and, because mites thrive indoors in warm, humid homes, it is very much a year-round trigger rather than a seasonal one.
The usual picture is persistent allergic rhinitis, with sneezing, a blocked or runny nose and itchy, watery eyes that are often worst in the morning or when making beds and vacuuming. Dust mite allergy is closely linked with asthma and is a frequent trigger for wheeze, cough and night-time symptoms, and it can also worsen eczema. These reactions are generally not life-threatening, but constant congestion and broken sleep can affect concentration, school and work.
Reducing exposure helps: allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers, hot washing of bedding, reducing humidity, ventilating well and minimising carpets and clutter where practical. Diagnosis uses skin-prick or specific-IgE tests. Treatment follows the usual ladder of antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays, with immunotherapy considered for selected, persistent cases. See a GP if symptoms are ongoing or your asthma is hard to control.
Common triggers
- Bedding, mattresses and pillows\nCarpets and soft furnishings\nHousehold dust
Symptoms
- Sneezing and a runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Itchy throat, nose or ears
- Coughing or wheezing
- Worsening of asthma
Avoidance & management
- Reduce exposure to the trigger where possible
- Keep windows closed during high-exposure periods
- Use air filtration and wash bedding regularly
- Shower and change clothes after exposure
- Use prescribed antihistamines, nasal sprays or preventers
Sources & references
Allergy safety: what everyone should know
Mild-to-moderate reaction signs
- Itching, hives or a raised rash
- Swelling of lips, face or eyes
- Tingling mouth, sneezing, runny nose
- Stomach pain, nausea or vomiting
Anaphylaxis — call 999 (UK) or 112 (EU) immediately
- Difficult or noisy breathing, wheeze, persistent cough
- Swelling of the tongue or tightness in the throat
- Dizziness, collapse, pale and floppy (young children)
- Use an adrenaline auto-injector (e.g. EpiPen) at once if prescribed, then call an ambulance even if symptoms improve
Allergy or intolerance? A true allergy involves the immune system and can escalate quickly; an intolerance (e.g. lactose intolerance) is unpleasant but not life-threatening. The symptoms overlap, so self-diagnosis is unreliable.
Getting tested: home-testing kits based on IgG are not diagnostically valid. If you suspect an allergy, ask a GP for referral to an allergy clinic for skin-prick or specific-IgE testing and a supervised food challenge where appropriate.