HOUSE DUST MITE ALLERGY…
Often confused with dust allergy (which doesn’t exist), house dust mite allergy is a respiratory allergy as widespread as it is little known. It is troublesome and can get worse. It is often downplayed and therefore inadequately treated. Setting the record straight …
An allergy that is difficult to escape from
House dust mites belong to the spider family. Microscopic, they are invisible to the naked eye. They live all year round in houses and nest in bedding, sheets, carpets, curtains and soft toys as they particularly like heat and humidity.
Not only is it extremely difficult to guard against them, but there is no “off” season: the allergy is said to be perennial. However, larger occurrences of house dust mite allergy are seen in the autumn1 where we live in a more confined environment (heated, less ventilated) providing ideal conditions for the reproduction of house dust mites. Hygiene and eviction measures are useful and even necessary, but are not always sufficient.
Its impact is significant on several levels:
House dust mites are the leading cause of allergic rhinitis2 . They cause symptoms specific to respiratory allergies: rhinitis, conjunctivitis, coughs, breathing difficulties, leading to an impact on daily life.
- … On fitness and health. Not only is the level of physical activity possible reduced, but house dust mite allergy is a chronic condition that can lead to various complications and can worsen into allergic asthma.
- … On professional and personal life. Especially in children, this allergy can have a detrimental effect on both learning and development.
- Risk of deterioration. Inadequately treated, house dust mite allergy can worsen and develop into allergic asthma.
Don’t let house dust mite allergy rule your life!
House dust mite allergy can be poorly understood and assessed, even by those affected by it. Don’t resign yourself to it! Solutions do exist. Consult an allergist for an allergy assessment and an appropriate treatment plan.
 Crisafulli D. et al. Seasonal trends in house dust mite allergen in children’s beds over a 7-year period Allergy 2007: 62: 1394–1400
 Bousquet J, et al. Geographical variation in the prevalence of positive skin tests to environmental aeroallergens in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey. Allergy 2007: 62: 301–309