Dust mites are tiny bugs which are commonly found on house dust. For this reason it is also called as dust mites. It is so small in size that it cannot be seen by naked eye and only through microscope. Dust mites can cause sneezing, coughing, runny nose and hay fever. On severe cases it can cause allergic disorders like asthma and wheezing. They eat the dead skin cells shed by us and live on humid environments like furniture, bedding and carpets.
Symptoms :
Some of the allergies produced by dust mites are sneezing, itchy eyes, itchy nose, nasal congestion, runny nose and postnasal drip. It will also cause fever, cold, cough, with swollen face. It will not allow children to sleep well during night and there can be frequent awakening due to the irritation. The infected child will be rubbing the nose often due to itchiness.
In severe cases dust mites can cause serious allergic reactions like asthma, difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath and troubled sleep. For some people virus will also affect the nose causing wheezing and respiratory disease.
The allergy reaction caused by dust mites ranges from mild to severe. For mild cases no treatment is required and there will be runny nose and watery eyes. For severe case of infection, medications are to be given for controlling the symptoms like nasal congestion and facial pressure.
Causes :
Dust mites thrive on the dead skin cells of the people and lives on humid weather largely. There is every chance for the house dust to get trapped in bed linens and fibers and carpets. Since these materials are able to hold moisture dust mites live on them easily.