WHAT ARE DUST MITES?
Both mites (which are microscopic insects) and their waste products are major components of house dust. They are mostly found in mattresses, box springs, pillows, carpet, and stuffed toys. Their presence does not suggest poor housekeeping. They invade the cleanest of homes.
Mites multiply in hot, humid weather. During long Dallas summers, the amount of mite waste products increase. In winter, these allergy worse as we spend more time indoors and forced air heat stirs up these particles.
WHAT SYMPTOMS DO MITE ALLERGIES CAUSE?
- sneezing
- stuffy, itchy and/or runny nose
- post nasal drip
- itchy and/or watery eyes
- sinus pressure headaches
- increase in asthma symptoms
HOW DO I CONTROL MITE ALLERGIES?
- encase mattress, box spring and pillows in zippered mite proof encasings which are sold in most department stores
- remove stuffed toys from the bedroom
- remove carpet if possible
- keep humidity under 40%
- purchase inexpensive Dacron/polyester pillows
- if you cannot part with your feather pillow, wash it frequently, dry THOROUGHLY in a hot dryer and encase the pillow
HOW CAN AN ALLERGIST HELP?
After evaluation, we will skin test to document allergies. We will review the above measures, prescribe medicines to help and, if necessary, recommend allergy shots. Allergy shots will usually control your allergies and often cure them