Dust Allergy: Causes, Treatment & Prevention Explained

Home should be like a comfortable oasis for all people. However, individuals who have dust allergies face uncomfortable symptoms in their homes. These symptoms worsen in time or after sweeping, vacuuming and dusting.

Continue reading this article to know the various causes and symptoms of dust allergy!

Dust allergy is a type of allergic reaction caused to the body’s immune system due to the mites that live in dust in the house. 

The primary causes of dust allergy are –

• Dust mites
• Cockroaches
• Mold
• Pollen
• Pet fur, hair or feathers.

There are several symptoms of dust allergy. Some of which are – 

• Itchy skin
• Watery eyes
• Cough
• Sneeze
• Sinus pressure
• Postnasal drip
• Runny nose
• Congestion

In order to diagnose dust allergies, a doctor may –

• Ask you about the signs and symptoms you are facing.
• Use a lighted instrument to check the condition of the nose lining. In case of an allergy, the lining will appear pale or swollen.
• Recommend certain tests like allergy skin tests and blood tests.

The best treatment for dust allergy is to minimise exposure to dust mites as much as possible. Nevertheless, it is impossible to eliminate them from the environment totally. Medications are also used to control the symptoms. These medications include antihistamines, corticosteroids, decongestants and leukotriene modifiers. Moreover, there are several therapies like immunotherapy and nasal irrigation, which can treat dust allergy.

It is essential to understand how to prevent dust allergy in order to stay protected from the same. Some of the preventive measures include –

• Opt for wooden flooring over the wall-to-wall carpets, especially in the bedrooms.
• Make sure to keep the house clean. Clean the house using a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter.
• Wash the bed linens daily with hot water.
• Keep the unrefrigerated foods covered.
• In case of a cockroach problem, use sprays and traps to get rid of them
• Keep the pets away from the bedroom of an allergic person.

That is all about dust allergies. According to WebMD, “Your symptoms usually start between 1 and 3 days after you get infected with a cold virus. They typically last for about 3 to 7 days. By then, the worst is over, but you may feel stuffed up for a week or more”. The symptoms might last longer if nothing is done to avoid the causes of the allergy.