Dust Allergy
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House dust is a mixture of many substances. Its content varies from home to home, depending on the type of furniture, building materials, presence of pets, moisture and other factors. A speck of dust may contain fabric fibers, human skin particles, animal dander, microscopic creatures called mites, bacteria, parts of cockroaches, mold spores, food particles and other debris. Of these, animal dander, house dust mites and cockroaches are the most common culprits. A person may be allergic to one or more of these substances, and, if exposed to the dust, will have an allergic reaction. 1
A dirty house can make a house dust allergy problem worse, however. Normal housekeeping procedures may not be enough to get rid of house dust allergy symptoms. This is because many of the substances in dust cannot be removed by normal cleaning procedures. For example, no matter how vigorously you dust or vacuum, you will not reduce the number of dust mites present deep within carpeting, pillows and mattresses. Vigorous cleaning methods can put more dust into the air making symptoms worse. 1
Any of about 20,000 species of tiny arachnids (subclass Acari, sometimes Acarina or Acarida). Species range from microscopic to 0.25 in. (6 mm) long. Mites live in water and soil, on plants, and as plant and animal parasites. Both parasitic and nonparasitic forms transmit plant and animal diseases. Itch mites (family Sarcoptidae), which burrow into the skin of humans and animals, cause the highly contagious disease scabies. A few species transmit tapeworms to cattle. Grain mites (family Glycyphagidae) damage stored products and irritate the skin of those who handle the products. House dust allergy is caused by species of the common genus Dermatophagoides. 32
House dust allergy is very common in Eastern Massachusetts. The house dust mite is a major allergen in both bronchial asthma and perennial allergic rhinitis especially in children and adolescents. Environmental control measures in the bedroom are very helpful in reducing allergic symptoms in many patients. In selected cases immunotherapy with D. farinae appears to be helpful. There is an urgent need for the availability of a safe chemical to decrease mite population in the home. More immunological studies are needed on mite allergy and mite immunotherapy. 29
CheckMite is a novel spray developed by the VMSRF for the control of house dust mites. The ingredients of CheckMite* are carefully selected biodegradable, eco-friendly components, which are absolutely safe to humans as well as domestic pets even at very high concentrations. 47
Like any other form of allergies, dust allergy is treated by taking in proper and effective dosages of antihistamines. Antihistamines are especially formulated medicines or drugs that contain chemicals and enzymes in exact amounts to curtail and control onset dust allergy or other allergies. Exposure to dust, the primary proponent and cause of dust allergy , will also be the most basic and most effective treatment. Remember that medications like antihistamines would never be really potent and efficient if exposure to dust is not eliminated or significantly reduced. Dust allergy will also be effectively avoided by reducing exposure to dust. Cleanliness of surroundings and personal hygiene would greatly help to avoid the occurrence of dust allergy. 19
An allergic person’s immune system believes these allergens are harmful and produces a special type of antibody to attack them. This leads other blood cells to release further chemicals (including histamine), which together cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction. The most common allergens include pollen, protein in the droppings of dust mites and cat/dog hair and skin cells. Some allergies are prolific in families and some allergies can be outgrown. 27
Dust allergy is caused by an overreaction of the human body to a substance in the waste pellets of dust mites, which constantly float around in the air and can be inhaled The mites live everywhere in furniture and carpets. mites can live on 1g of dust and 1 mite produces 10-20 waste pellets a day. They absorb moisture from the air and live eat human/animal hair/skin/nail particles and pollen. Unfortunately, cleaning does not always get rid of dust mites. 27
Dust allergy symptoms are like hay fever, with sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, running nose and occasionally asthma. Dust allergies can be treated with antihistamines and/or decongestants. To reduce dust mites in the home, some suggestions include: vacuuming of carpets/mattress weekly; washing bedding in hot, soapy water; using allergy friendly mattress covers; using blinds instead of curtains and finally laminating/tiling of floors instead of carpeting. 27
However, when preventative measures fail it may be appropriate to control your symptoms using medication. Today antihistamines are generally considered the first-line treatment for allergy symptoms and are available by prescription or over the counter. Dust Allergy House dust allergy is common even in clean homes. 44
Mites eat particles of skin and dander, so they thrive in places where there are people. Dust mites don’t bite, cannot spread diseases and usually do not live on people. They are harmful only to people who become allergic to them. While usual household insecticides have no effect on dust mites, there are ways to reduce exposure to dust mites in the home. 1
People can be allergic to plants, animals, clothing, food and heat. Symptoms are normally a swelling, rash or itchiness on certain parts of the skin or all over the body. 27
House dust allergy is common even in clean homes. House dust is a mixture of many substances. A speck of dust may contain fabric fibers, human skin particles, animal dander, microscopic creatures called mites, bacteria, parts of cockroaches, mold spores, food particles and other debris. Of these, animal dander, dust mites, and cockroaches are the most common culprits. 26
Molds spread by producing spores that can become airborne. These spores end up in house dust where they grow. Dust from mold-contaminated houses can cause allergy symptoms if a mold-sensitive person inhales it. 1
This is by far the most common method of diagnosing allergies. Based on when the symptoms occur and if the symptoms are classical symptoms of allergy and response to allergy avoidence or treatment methods can be all that is required for a diagnosis. If symptoms are all year round the likely cause is dust or animal allergy or perhaps food allergy. If they are seasonal, pollen or mould allergy is more likely. Talking over your symptoms with your doctor and pharmacist can help get an accurate diagnosis quickly and advice on treatment or allergen avoidence can begin. 50
References
The Panacea offers these health-extracts to help people investigate health-related subjects in greater depth using the references given in each paragraph. Kindly note that these are current extracts from the web, meant for research, and that these are not meant to be medical advise. For all your health-related needs you must consult trained and licensed personnel.
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