The doctor spoke about the health effects of dust mite allergies

Nasal congestion at home, sneezing and itching can be signs of allergy to dust mites living in pillows and mattresses. On October 1, allergist and immunologist Elena Paretskaya told Izvestia about how to deal with this.

She clarified that dust mites are microscopic arthropods measuring 0.1—0.5 mm that live in houses and feed on dead human and animal skin particles. These microorganisms are harmless to humans by themselves, but their excrement contains strong allergens.

"The main culprit of allergic reactions is the excrement of dust mites containing strong allergens Der p1 and Der f1. When these allergens are inhaled, the human immune system reacts by producing immunoglobulin E (IgE). This triggers a chain of events leading to various symptoms. The manifestations can vary significantly in intensity and nature from person to person," the specialist explained.

Paretskaya reported that the symptoms of dust mite allergy can be especially pronounced after sleep, when allergic rhinitis, mucus trickling down the back of the pharynx and allergic conjunctivitis with itching and redness of the eyes most often occur. In severe cases, allergies can cause attacks of choking and coughing, and in children, an itchy rash.

The allergist noted that constant exposure to allergens can reduce immunity and cause chronic fatigue. Symptoms can persist throughout the year, and their intensity varies depending on temperature and humidity. Morning exacerbations or worsening of the condition after sleep indicate a high concentration of allergens in bed, especially if dust and mites rise into the air after cleaning.

To protect against dust mites, Paretskaya advised washing bed linen at least once a week in hot water (at least 60 degrees). This effectively destroys ticks and their waste products. It is also worth leaving the bed open for several hours after waking up to avoid creating a humid environment ideal for mite breeding. In addition, it is important to regularly carry out both wet and dry cleaning using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and ventilate the premises.

Earlier, on August 30, the Russian Medical Journal reported that allergic rhinitis remains one of the most common respiratory tract diseases. For effectiveness, experts recommend using combinations of intranasal glucocorticosteroids and antihistamines. According to the publication, combination therapy can be used as a starting treatment for moderate to severe treatment.

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