Dust mite allergy
Dust mite allergy, also known as house dust allergy, is a sensitization and allergic reaction to the droppings of house dust mites. The allergy is common and can trigger allergic reactions such as asthma, eczema or itching. The mite's gut contains potent digestive enzymes (notably peptidase 1) that persist in their feces and are major inducers of allergic reactions such as wheezing. The mite's exoskeleton can also contribute to allergic reactions. Unlike scabies mites or skin follicle mites, house dust mites do not burrow under the skin and are not parasitic.
| Dust mite allergy | |
|---|---|
| Other names | House dust allergy |
| Specialty | Allergist, immunologist |
| Symptoms | Symptoms |
| Complications | Bronchial asthma, allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis |
| Usual onset | Early childhood |
| Causes | Mite droppings |
| Prevention | Avoid dust mites or cutting down mite numbers |
| Treatment | Allergen immunotherapy |
| Medication | Allergy shots (SCIT), HDM-SLIT tablet (SLIT) |
The symptoms can be avoided or alleviated by a number of measures. In general, cutting down mite numbers may reduce these reactions while others say efforts to remove these mites from the environment have not been found to be effective. Immunotherapy may be useful in those affected. Subcutaneous injections have better evidence than under the tongue dosing. Topical steroids as nasal spray or inhalation may be used.
Severe dust mite infestation in the home has been linked to atopic dermatitis, and epidermal barrier damage has been documented.