House Dust Mite Allergy (Dust Allergy): Therapy

General measures

  • Avoid contact with the triggering allergens.
  • Allergy card always carry with you

Measures to be taken in case of house dust allergy

  • Sanitation of the bed
    • Mattresses should be given an allergy-proof cover (encasing)
      • This measure resulted in significantly fewer severe asthma exacerbations (emergency room visits) in children than in the placebo group (29.3 vs. 41.5%; p = 0.047).
    • Bedding (comforters) should also be provided with allergy-proof intermediate covers or regularly washed at least 60 °C
  • Furnishing instructions in relation to the furniture:
    • Leather furniture should be preferred
    • Dust catchers should be avoided
  • Ventilate all rooms regularly and keep dry (humidity < 50%); shock ventilation is particularly helpful (four times a day for five to ten minutes)
  • Smooth floor coverings should be wiped damp at least every other day
  • Vacuum cleaners should have special fine dust filters (e.g. Hepa filter systems)
  • Pay attention to washable cuddly toys; otherwise, cuddly toys should be freed from mites in the freezer (48 hours in the freezer at -15 °C; minimum 12 hours at -12 °C).
  • Favorable vacation areas for house dust allergy sufferers are located at over 1,200 m altitude.

Conventional non-surgical therapy methods

Prerequisites for specific immunotherapy (SIT) with allergens [see S2k guideline below]:

  • Evidence of IgE-mediated sensitization and clear association with clinical symptoms (see below Laboratory Diagnostics).
  • Allergen abstinence not possible or not sufficient (in house dust mite allergy is usually only a reduction of mite exposure possible).
  • Age of the patient ≥ 5 years
  • Availability of standardized or high-quality allergen extracts.

Therapy recommendation

  • Hyposensitization or desensitization (synonyms: specific immunotherapy (SIT), allergy vaccination): It is particularly suitable for children and young adults, as the effectiveness is best here. The therapy is indicated in cases of severe allergy that cannot be controlled with allergen abstinence or pharmacotherapy (e.g. antihistamines) (see above). Duration of therapy: 3-5 years

Further notes

  • Posensitization or desensitization using sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT): symptoms of allergic rhinitis (“hay fever“) were relieved by taking tablets daily after only 14 days.
  • MITRA study: 742 participants (adults) had a dust mite allergy, also suffered from allergic rhinitis and did not respond as desired to the usual asthma therapy. After six months of study, both SLIT groups showed that the risk of moderate or severe asthma exacerbation was reduced by 28-31 percent compared to the placebo group. No significant difference was detectable between the two doses.

Nutritional Medicine

  • Nutritional counseling based on nutritional analysis
  • Nutritional recommendations according to a mixed diet taking into account the disease at hand. This means, among other things:
    • Daily total of 5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruits (≥ 400 g; 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruits).
    • Once or twice a week fresh sea fish, i.e. fatty marine fish (omega-3 fatty acids) such as salmon, herring, mackerel.
    • High-fiber diet (whole grains, vegetables).
  • Observance of the following special dietary recommendations:
    • Observe known cross-reactions (cross-allergy) with foods – see under “Symptoms – Complaints”.
  • Selection of appropriate food based on the nutritional analysis.
  • See also under “Therapy with micronutrients (vital substances)” – if necessary, taking a suitable dietary supplement.
  • Detailed information on nutritional medicine you will receive from us.