House dust mites are tiny, translucent, eyeless, eight-legged creatures closely related to ticks and spiders. They are found in all homes, thrive in warm and humid houses, and feed primarily on shed dead skin cells.
House dust mite (HDM) allergy is a hypersensitive reaction to proteins (allergens) in the excretion of dust mites. Allergens derived from HDM faeces play a major role in allergic disease in many parts of the world, especially in childhood asthma. When children with a family history of allergy are repeatedly exposed to house dust mite droppings, they can develop an allergy to dust mite. Unfortunately, exposure to dust mite allergens cannot be avoided, as they are present all year round. The microscopic droppings can be inhaled when they are airborne, causing respiratory symptoms. The most common respiratory symptoms of dust mite allergy usually include runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing and coughing which could also lead to an itchy throat and postnasal drip. The allergens can also cause itchy and watery eyes usually caused by a hypersensitive reaction to the dust mite allergens, and could lead to crusting of the eyelids. House dust mite allergy can be prevented and controlled.
Read more about this by going to our Dust mite Allergy Learning Centre.
