Children and house dust mite allergy
House dust mite allergy in children
House dust mite allergy is a respiratory allergy that affects some children. The tiny dust mites live almost everywhere people live. They feed on dead skin cells and gather in cosy places where they can find food – in beds, soft toys, sofas and carpets.
A single microscopic particle of house dust mite faeces can be enough to trigger an allergic reaction. Typical symptoms include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes.
Uncontrolled house dust mite allergy can have significant and serious consequences
Your child may feel worst at home, where the house dust mites also live. The symptoms can affect sleep, leaving your child tired during the day.
The child may feel upset and uncomfortable because of the allergy.
House dust mites thrive in mattresses and bedding, which can make overnight stays with friends more difficult.
Some children may frequently experience sinusitis and pain.
Symptoms can begin early and later develop into allergic asthma.
If your child has troublesome symptoms from the allergy, it may be time to make an appointment with the doctor if you have not already done so. It is always a good idea to be prepared.
Increase your knowledge of house dust mite allergy and talk to your doctor to find out which options are best for your child.
AVOID THE ALLERGENS and reduce symptoms
- Reduce your child’s contact with allergens that trigger the allergy and avoid allergic reactions.
- Learn more about what triggers the symptoms and teach your child to avoid it.
- Ask your doctor for advice and get specific guidance about your child’s allergy.
Children may experience different symptoms of house dust mite allergy, such as a blocked or runny nose, coughing, sneezing, breathing difficulties, itchy and watery eyes, as well as worsening of childhood eczema (atopic dermatitis).
Symptoms of house dust mite allergy can easily be mistaken for a cold, but unlike viral infections, the symptoms do not go away.
The symptoms will typically be most pronounced at night or in the morning, which means that children with house dust mite allergy may feel tired and lacking in energy as a result of a poor night’s sleep.
House dust mite allergy is sometimes referred to as a dust allergy. However, this term is misleading, as it is not the dust itself that causes the allergy, but rather house dust mites.
House dust mites live in textiles, particularly around the bed environment, where they reproduce very quickly and leave behind body parts and excrement, which contain the substances that people with house dust mite allergy react to.
Be aware that children with sensitive mucous membranes may react to dust even if they are not allergic to house dust mites.
Children with house dust mite allergy may be affected by the allergy all year round. However, some will find that their symptoms worsen during the winter months, when humidity is high and children typically spend more time indoors.
The symptoms will often be most noticeable during the time the child spends in bed, where the concentration of house dust mites is highest. The child may therefore experience symptoms that disturb their night’s sleep and result in tiredness the following day, but activities such as playing, pillow fights and tidying up can also cause house dust mite allergens to become airborne and trigger symptoms.
