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Dust mite allergy

Dust mite allergy
Other namesHouse dust allergy
SpecialtyAllergist, immunologist
SymptomsSymptoms
ComplicationsBronchial asthma, allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis
Usual onsetEarly childhood
CausesMite droppings
PreventionAvoid dust mites or cutting down mite numbers
TreatmentAllergen immunotherapy
MedicationAllergy shots (SCIT), HDM-SLIT tablet (SLIT)
A scanning electron micrograph of a female dust mite

Dust mite allergy, also known as house dust allergy, is a sensitization and allergic reaction to the droppings of house dust mites. The allergy is common[1][2] and can trigger allergic reactions such as asthma, eczema or itching. The mite's gut contains potent digestive enzymes (notably peptidase 1) that persist in their feces and are major inducers of allergic reactions such as wheezing. The mite's exoskeleton can also contribute to allergic reactions. Unlike scabies mites or skin follicle mites, house dust mites do not burrow under the skin and are not parasitic.[3]

The symptoms can be avoided or alleviated by a number of measures. In general, cutting down mite numbers may reduce these reactions while others say efforts to remove these mites from the environment have not been found to be effective.[4] Immunotherapy may be useful in those affected.[4] Subcutaneous injections have better evidence than under the tongue dosing.[5] Topical steroids as nasal spray or inhalation may be used.[6]

House dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) aggregate.

Severe dust mite infestation in the home has been linked to atopic dermatitis, and epidermal barrier damage has been documented.[7]

  1. ^ Alderman, Lesley (2011-03-04). "Who Should Worry About Dust Mites (and Who Shouldn't)". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-07-23.
  2. ^ "Dust Mite Allergy" (PDF). NHS. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-04-26. Retrieved 2020-07-23.
  3. ^ Ogg, Barb. "Managing House Dust Mites" (PDF). Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Retrieved 24 January 2019.
  4. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Bia2014 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Eifan, AO; Calderon, MA; Durham, SR (November 2013). "Allergen immunotherapy for house dust mite: clinical efficacy and immunological mechanisms in allergic rhinitis and asthma". Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy. 13 (11): 1543–56. doi:10.1517/14712598.2013.844226. PMID 24099116.
  6. ^ Carrard, A; Pichler, C (April 2012). "[House dust mite allergy]". Therapeutische Umschau. 69 (4): 249–52. doi:10.1024/0040-5930/a000281. PMID 22477664.
  7. ^ Cork, Michael J; Robinson, Darren A; Vasilopoulos, Yiannis; Ferguson, Adam; Moustafa, Manar; MacGowan, Alice; Duff, Gordon W; Ward, Simon J; Tazi-Ahnini, Rachid (2006). "New perspectives on epidermal barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis: Gene–environment interactions". Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 118 (1): 3–21, quiz 22–3. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2006.04.042. PMID 16815133.