Everything you need to know about dust mite allergies.

A closer look at mites and their connection with allergies.

Dust mites are tiny organisms, invisible to the naked eye, belonging to the arthropod phylum. They typically live for around three months and thrive in warm and humid environments, ideally at a temperature of 25-30°C. This is why these microorganisms are predominantly found in bedding, household linen, upholstered furniture, and carpets. Contrary to popular belief, they are only minimally present in the air, due to their relatively large size (10 to 35 μm in diameter). Therefore, we inhale them during household activities or at night, when allergens are close to the respiratory tract.

Dust mites can proliferate even in a clean house.

If mites are responsible for allergic reactions, it is due to the allergenic antigens they produce, substances recognised by the human body's Immunoglobulin E (IgE). This recognition triggers the recruitment of immune cells such as basophils, eosinophils, and mast cells, causing an inflammatory reaction and the release of histamine. This histamine causes an increase in the dilation of blood vessels and an activation of sensory nerves, which are the origin of the symptoms of mite allergies.

Good to know : An allergy to dust mites is different from an allergy to cat or dog hair. Therefore, it is possible to have a pet while being sensitive to dust mites.

Dust mite allergy: what are the symptoms?

Dust mite allergies, often underestimated, can prove to be very restrictive in daily life. The associated symptoms usually manifest during the night or upon waking, times when exposure is at its peak as dust mites proliferate in warm and humid places like mattresses. Among the most common symptoms of dust mite allergies, we find the allergic rhinitis which is characterised by persistent nasal congestion accompanied by frequent sneezing and itching. A blocked nose is often associated with an overproduction of mucus, which can cause some respiratory discomfort.

Dust mite allergies are not confined to the respiratory tract: they can also affect the eyes and cause a allergic conjunctivitis. The eyes can then become red, irritated, watery and ocular itching can occur throughout the day. In some individuals, an eczema-type rash may appear in the form of small red patches, accompanied by intense itching. This mainly affects individuals suffering from atopic dermatitis, who see their usual symptoms worsen in the presence of dust mites.

How to recognise a dust mite allergy?

The symptoms of a dust mite allergy resemble those of a common cold, a pollen allergy, or an animal fur allergy. However, each of these different conditions has unique characteristics that allow them to be distinguished from one another.

Characteristics	Dust Mite Allergy	Pollen Allergy	Allergy to Animal Fur	Common Cold
Main Symptoms	Runny or blocked nose, sneezing, irritated eyes, itching	Runny nose, sneezing, irritated eyes, scratchy throat, itching	Runny nose, sneezing, irritated eyes, itching	Runny or blocked nose, sore throat, cough, fatigue
Period of Onset	All year round, primarily in winter	Spring (tree pollen) or summer (herbs, grasses)	All year round, depending on interactions with animals	All year round, primarily in winter
Duration of Symptoms	Persistent as long as the exposure continues	Seasonal, associated with pollination periods	Varying according to exposure to animals	About a week
Fever	No	No	No	Potential mild fever

Caractéristiques des allergies aux acariens, au pollen et aux poils d'animaux et des rhumes.

If you are unsure whether your symptoms are due to a dust mite allergy, do not hesitate to seek advice from your doctor. They can perform a skin test or a blood test, in order to confirm the allergy.

How to better live with a dust mite allergy?

In addition to antihistamines or corticosteroids frequently prescribed by doctors to alleviate dust mite allergies, certain simple actions can significantly reduce the presence of dust mites in a household, which are responsible for the symptoms. It is first necessary to take action within the bedroom, the favourite habitat of dust mites. It is recommended to opt for cotton sheets, covers and pillowcases as they can be washed weekly at 60°C, the necessary temperature to eliminate dust mites. The use of anti-dust mite covers is also advisable.

To prevent the accumulation of dust and mites, it may also be relevant to simplify the layout of the room by removing the objects that attract dust, such as thick curtains, carpets and rugs, and favouring blinds, wooden or tiled floors, which are easier to clean. It is also recommended to vacuum at least once a week, if possible with a HEPA filter, a high-efficiency air filter, and to dust surfaces and shelves each time with a damp cloth.

Finally, airing out the various rooms of the house for ten minutes each day can help slow down the proliferation of dust mites, as they prefer warm environments. Additionally, the use of a dehumidifier helps to keep the humidity level below 50%, a threshold that hinders the multiplication of dust mites. When combined, these various actions contribute to creating a less favourable environment for dust mites, and therefore less conducive to allergic reactions.