Dust Mites
And Asthma: The Deadly Connection
Can dust mite allergens trigger asthma
attack? The answer is a resounding yes.
Not only can these microscopic pests cause
giant problems for asthmatics, they are actually the most common cause of
allergy-induced asthma in children and adults on the planet. Unfortunately,
they are also almost impossible to avoid completely.
So exactly how do dust mites contribute to asthma attacks? These mites live
in and on any kind of fabric, particularly drapes, carpets and mattresses,
and they multiply rapidly. Because they are so numerous and nearly
impossible to detect with the naked eye, it can be difficult to get rid of
them. As they congregate throughout your house, they leave their droppings
behind and this is what causes problems for asthma sufferers.
Those droppings become the main component of most common household dust.
When that dust spreads, it also spreads a particularly toxic enzyme
contained in the droppings. This enzyme is the culprit that can trigger
asthma attack. Prolonged exposure to it can cause coughing, wheezing and
shortness of breath along with other common allergy symptoms including itchy
eyes, runny nose and sneezing.
So if you’ve ever wondered can dust mite allergens cause asthma attack, you
now have your answer. They can and do cause attacks in sensitive individuals
and can become a real health hazard. And a build-up of dust is not necessary
to indicate their presence. Dust mites and their droppings can be present
even in the most clean looking homes.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the effect of dust
mites. First and foremost is regular vacuuming and dusting to prevent dust
build up. Regularly washing bed sheets and and other bedding is recommended
to help kill off any mites that are present and prevent them from leaving
their droppings and allergens behind.
Because dust mites are so small, they can easily work their way into even
the smallest of crevices in upholstered furniture and mattresses. Furniture
should be steam cleaned from time to time to kill mites and mattress can be
rendered allergen free with the use of special protective coverings. These
allergy covers, made of special fabrics that prevent dust mites from
penetrating them, will act as a barrier between any mites in your mattress
and your sensitive lungs. What is in your mattress and pillows stays there.
There is no need to ask can dust mite allergens cause asthma attack. The
answer is yes and the time to fight back is now, before symptoms occur. You
can even take protective measures when you travel such as bringing your
rescue medication with you and using your own pillow outfitted with an
allergy cover to guard against dust mites. My wife always travels with a
bottle of ADMS.
Dust mites are an annoying fact of life and can be a serious threat to
asthma sufferers, but there is no need to take these common allergens lying
down. Take preventative steps to help keep your home dust free and you’ll be
able to breathe easier knowing that this common trigger won’t be affecting
you.
Wishing you the best of health
The Allergy Store
