Dust mite allergens, perhaps the most common cause of perennial allergy problems, usually produce symptoms similar to pollen allergies--sneezing,
coughing, runny noses, stuffy noses, itchy, watery eyes, and overall congestion. Dust mite allergens can
also trigger asthma. Allergies and asthma occur when dust mites increase the levels of antigens called Der p1. Interestingly, it's not the dust mites
themselves that cause the allergic reactions that plague 40 million Americans but, rather, it's a single
protein in the mites and their feces to which people have allergic responses.
 Dust mites are members of the arachnid
family, which includes spiders, chiggers, and ticks. They are 8-legged creatures, about 0.3mm in length. Two species are
commonly found in North America. Dust mites thrive in the warm, humid, dark
conditions inside many of the fibrous materials in our homes: mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, carpet,
stuffed toys, etc. Dust mites are scavengers that feed primarily on the dead human skin flakes, fungi, bacteria,
and animal dander. They do not bite or sting, but they do contain strong, harmful allergens in their secretions
and excrements. This waste is extremely small and extremely light, and thus is easily airborne. The growth and
development of the mites increase with higher relative humidity and temperatures over 65°
F. Research has shown that, on average, regularly used
mattresses host upwards of 2 million dust mites.
Protecting Your
Bedroom from Dust
Mites
The
bedroom area tends to have the greatest
impact on symptoms of allergies and
asthma because we spend more than half
our lives in that one room. We wallow
all night long in
dust mite laden beds.
Getting rid of the pesky dust mites is
absolutely critical to allergy and
asthma management.
To reduce the number of harmful allergens
in your bedroom, have your mattress and pillows
professionally cleaned and
sanitized
on a regular basis. Call X-Mites today
1-248-695-5000
for a healthier, better sleeping
environment tonight!
Below are
some specific steps you can take
to reduce allergic irritants, including
harmful dust mites.
Addition Allergy Reducing Tips For the
Bedroom
-
Avoid stuffed animals--dust
mites love to snuggle-up in them.
-
Use a HEPA filter in your vacuum
cleaner and damp-mop flooring often.
-
Keep pets out, if possible.
-
Don't eat in bed!
|
