Dust Allergy Symptoms
Dust allergy is a reaction to tiny bugs that are generally found in house dust. The most common cause of indoor allergens is dust mites. Fabric fibers, stuffing material, bacteria, fungus spores, food particles, plants, molds, pet hair, feathers, insects and their waste can also cause dust allergy.
Dust mites live in items such as draperies, sheets, upholstered furniture, carpets, and the air. Signs of dust mites include runny nose, sneezing, etc. When a person’s immune system develops an allergy, it produces antibodies that see a particular allergen as harmful even if it is not and by getting in contact with an allergen, the immune system reacts aggressively to it, causing skin inflammation, sinus stimulation, or digestive issues.
Common Symptoms of Dust Allergy:
Every person’s immune system varies, thereby, coping with allergies varies from person to person.
Dust allergy symptoms may include:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchiness on eyes, nose, or mouth
- Under-eye swelling
- Nasal congestion
- Cough
Complications of Untreated Allergies
Allergies can vary from minor discomfort to exhibiting symptoms of anaphylaxis. While some allergies can be tamed with standard medication, anaphylaxis is a severe life-threatening condition that requires serious medical attention. Some of the anaphylaxis symptoms are pale skin, itching, low blood pressure, and difficulty in breathing.
Ignoring the symptoms of dust allergy for an extended period of time can lead to more serious lung infections like pneumonia, and bronchitis. Untreated dust allergy cough and sneezing can also lead to inflamed sinuses, making way for bacterial growth and infections. Acute bronchitis caused by bacteria usually goes away within a few days, whereas bronchitis caused by allergies is more chronic in nature and can be triggered by exposure to dust, tobacco smoke, or pollution. Bronchitis causes a lot of coughing and breathing difficulties.
You must contact a chest infection doctor if your cough lasts for more than three weeks, you have chest discomfort, you cough blood or you have difficulty in breathing. Additionally, asthma and eczema patients may face more severe health issues with untreated allergies.
Dust Allergy Prevention
Whereas most allergies are untreatable, some home treatments can help alleviate dust allergy symptoms. Prevention is better than cure. The best way of dust allergy treatment at home is to reduce exposure to dust mites by controlling them. Although it may not be possible to completely eliminate dust mites from your home, you can reduce their number.
For the treatment of dust allergy, choose your bedding wisely, and avoid bed coverings that can easily catch dust. Using dustproof mattresses, pillows, and bedding can also keep dust mites at bay. Washing your bedding in hot water (at least 130°F) on a weekly basis is another way of removing allergens.
When to See a Doctor?
If you have had a runny nose, cough, or watery eyes for more than 3 months and no over-the-counter drugs have provided you relief then it is your cue to consult a doctor. Immediate medical attention is needed if it is the condition of serious sinus infections, ear infections, headaches, runny nose, or difficulty in sleep. It is not recommended to self-treat dust allergies if you have serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma, thyroid disease, liver disease, or kidney problems, in these cases, consult a doctor prior to taking any medication. MMI hospital is the best option because that has top specialists and offers its services at affordable prices.