Fighting Dust Allergies

House-dust allergies are at the root of many indoor air problems. Dust allergies are one of the most common types of allergies, even among people who wouldn't normally suffer from any kind of allergic reaction. Hayfever and dust allergies are caused by allergens which irritate the mucous membranes of the throat, nose, palate, sinuses and eye, the last thing sufferers' need when reaching for a tissue is added dust. Approximately 70 percent of people who have house dust allergies are sensitive to "mite components" in airborne dust. Because dust allergies are not diseases, but rather just mere and simple body reflex reaction against dusts that try to get into the body, many people underestimate dust allergy's potential to pose serious health risks.

Allergic symptoms vary widely, but may include a headache, runny nose and eyes, itchiness, a stuffy nose, stuffed ears, sneezing fits, sinus pain or chest congestion. There are plenty of treatments available to relieve your symptoms and various ways to make it harder for dust mites to live in your home. Air filtration units are strongly recommended for sufferers with strong symptoms. Previous research has shown that reducing mite allergen levels in homes can lead to an improvement in allergic symptoms and a reduction in medication requirements.

Many products are sold to reduce mite populations in homes, but it has remained difficult for allergy patients to reduce mite populations below the threshold for causing clinical symptoms. 100 mites/gram is the standard average threshold for allergy symptoms begin to develop. If you suffer from allergies such as hayfever and dust allergies you may be interested to know that every time you use an ordinary tissue to blow your nose or wipe your eyes the dust in the tissue could be enough to irritate symptoms further, only adding to your woes.

At the very least, weekly vacuuming and frequent steam-cleaning will help control dust in your carpeted areas as much as possible. If house cleaning sets you off, have someone else do it or at least wear a mask while you clean. The presence of dust in our living environments can be reduced through good cleaning habits, air filters, removing one’s shoes at the door to the outside, and other sensible methods. When you are cleaning, make sure to go after those hard-to-reach spots under the furniture, where dust may end up caking. Don’t forget to give the closet a good cleaning, too.

Finally, be sure to open the windows or turn on the fan while cleaning to minimize exposure to cleaning products.