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Allergic individuals show an exaggerated reaction when they are exposed to environmental factors (allergens) which do not affect normal non-allergic people. Airborne “inhalant” allergens are the most common cause of allergies.

After exposure to inhalant allergens, allergy sufferers experience one or more of the following symptoms:-

Nose:
Urge to sneeze, runny or blocked nose causing breathing difficulty (rhinitis).

Eyes:
Itching; reddening; watering; swelling (conjunctivitis)

Respiratory System:
Asthma, causing coughing, wheezing and occasionally acute breathing difficulty.

Skin:
Nettle rash or eczema may occur on direct skin contact with some inhalant allergens.

Symptoms occurring in the summer months (hay fever) are usually caused by
grass or tree pollen grains. However, many patients are affected all the year
round by allergens that are found in the home.

The main cause of indoor allergy is the house dust mite (in particular it’s faeces).
House dust mites are tiny, transparent spider-like animals, invisible to the naked
eye.

The mites prefer temperatures around 25ºC (77ºF) and humidity over 60%.
Large colonies of many millions of mites live in mattresses and bedding where
they thrive in the warm, moist conditions with a plentiful supply of their main
source of food (human skin scales). As a result, symptoms are often worse at
night due to exposure to high concentrations of allergen in the bed.

House dust mites are also found in carpets, upholstered furniture, curtains and
stuffed toys.

During autumn and winter with central heating and reduced ventilation there are
more house dust mite allergens in the home.

Prevention of House Dust Mite Allergy

Since most mite allergens are found in the bed, the first measure is to provide
special dust-proof encasings for mattresses, duvets and pillows.

Bedding and soft toys should be washed regularly at 60ºC.

Carpets should be replaced with wood or vinyl flooring where possible, and
curtains should be replaced with vertical blinds. Leather upholstery is preferable
to fabric.

Textile items that are not absolutely necessary should be removed from the
bedroom. Where this is not possible, they should be regularly washed.

When dusting, a damp duster or specially impregnated cloth should be used.

Carpets and upholstered furniture should be cleaned frequently using a vacuum
cleaner fitted with a HEPA filter. Mite-allergy sufferers should arrange for
another person to do this.

In general, airing out rooms daily and keeping humidity low will create an
“antimite” home environment. This is especially important for bedrooms.
Alternatively, a room dehumidifier may be used. Room temperatures should be
kept below 22ºC – bedrooms at 18ªC if possible.

Clothes and toys should always be kept in cupboards.

General irritants such as cigarette smoke, scented toiletries, vapours, fumes etc
should be avoided.

Treatment of Mite Allergy Symptoms

The main long-term treatment for mite allergy involves the relief or suppression of
symptoms using mediation in the form of drops, tablets, inhalers, etc., depending
on the location, form, and severity of symptoms. Your doctor will prescribe the
treatment most suitable for you.

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Acknowledgement:
Diagenics Information Services
South House 3
Bond Avenue
Bletchley
Milton Keynes
MK1 1SW

To purchase any Diagenics products, you can call or email them on:
Tel: 01908 376376 / Email: info@diagenics.co.uk
Alternatively, you can place your order and pay online at their website:
www.diagenics.co.uk/catalog