Children and house dust mite allergy
Children expect mom and dad to know EVERYTHING. But sometimes you also need answers.
Our new information center for house dust mite allergy, specially designed for parents, offers step-by-step guidance and simple tools to help your child get started.
Therefore, dear parents: Know the symptoms of house dust mite allergy and act on them!
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 humans live. They feed on dead skin and gather in cozy places where they can find food — in beds, stuffed animals, sofas, and carpets.
A single microscopic particle of dust mite waste 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 Serious Consequences
- Your child may feel worse at home, where the dust mites also live
- Symptoms can disturb sleep, making your child tired during the day
- The child may feel sad or uncomfortable because of the allergy
- Dust mites thrive in mattresses and bedding, which can make sleepovers difficult
- Some children may frequently experience sinus infections and pain
- Symptoms can begin early and later develop into allergic asthma
It’s practically impossible to completely get rid of dust mites, no matter how thorough you are with washing and cleaning. Your child also can’t avoid contact with dust mites at friends’ houses, school, on the bus, and elsewhere.
Symptom-relieving medicine can temporarily block or reduce allergic symptoms. Allergy vaccination, on the other hand, can have a long-lasting effect by gradually reprogramming the immune system so it learns to tolerate dust mites.
If your child has troublesome allergy symptoms, it might be time to schedule an appointment with the doctor if you haven’t already. It’s always a good idea to be prepared.
Increase your knowledge of dust mite allergy and talk to the doctor to find out which options are best for your child.
AVOID ALLERGENS
and Reduce Symptoms
- Reduce your child’s contact with allergens that trigger the allergy and avoid allergic reactions
- Learn what triggers the symptoms and teach your child to avoid them
- Ask your doctor for advice and get specific guidance about your child’s allergy
How Do Children Experience Dust Mite Allergy?
Children may experience symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose, coughing, sneezing, breathing difficulties, itchy and watery eyes, and worsening of eczema (atopic dermatitis).
Symptoms of dust mite allergy can resemble a cold, but unlike a viral infection, they don’t go away.
Discomfort is usually worst at night or in the morning, causing fatigue due to poor sleep.
Is Dust Mite Allergy the Same as Dust Allergy?
House dust mite allergy is sometimes referred to as “dust allergy.” This term is misleading, as it’s not the dust itself that causes the allergy, but the dust mites.
Dust mites live in textiles, especially bedding, where they reproduce quickly and leave body parts and droppings — the substances allergic individuals react to.
Note that children with sensitive mucous membranes can react to dust even if they’re not allergic to dust mites.
When Is Dust Mite Allergy Worst?
Children allergic to dust mites can experience symptoms year-round. However, symptoms often worsen during winter when humidity is high and children spend more time indoors.
Symptoms are usually strongest while the child is in bed, where dust mite concentration is highest. This can disturb sleep and cause fatigue the next day. Activities like playing, pillow fights, or tidying up can also stir up dust mite allergens and cause symptoms.
