Definition
In the case of a mite allergy, the body reacts hypersensitively to house dust mites. These are small arachnids that are found in the dust of houses and apartments. Correctly, this allergy is therefore called house dust mite allergy.
The allergy is usually triggered by the faeces of the house dust mites. About one tenth of the Germans react allergic to these mites. They are mainly found in textiles such as bedding, mattresses or upholstery and feed on human skin scales. Especially in the autumn and winter months, many mites are found in the house, as ventilation is often a bit shorter then. The presence of house dust mites is not a sign of a lack of hygiene in the household, as these small animals are found everywhere.
Causes
The trigger of a mite allergy is not the house dust mite itself, but small particles in its excrement. House dust mites prefer to live in places with high humidity, so mattresses and upholstered furniture in particular, which absorb moisture from people, are their habitat. Here they secrete their excrement, which is then stirred up when shaking cushions or vacuuming.
As a result, its components are released into the air and are inhaled by humans or enter the organism via the mucous membranes of the eyes or nose. In some people the immune system reacts excessively violently to the inhaled excrement particles. Why this is so is not clear.
People whose parents or grandparents suffer or suffered from a mite allergy are particularly often affected. In addition, a house dust allergy is often accompanied by bronchial asthma. A house dust mite allergy can already occur in childhood or develop in the course of life.
The symptoms of a dust mite allergy are similar to those of other allergies, for example hay fever. In many people, after contact with house dust, the nose is blocked or runs, the eyes are red, watery or itchy. If the allergy is more pronounced, the respiratory tract is often also affected.
Patients have a severe cough and breathing becomes more difficult. The symptoms are most severe at night and in the morning because the mattress provides a good habitat for house dust mites. If the mite allergy persists over a longer period of time, it can lead to chronic complaints.
Especially the nasal mucous membrane is affected and can become permanently inflamed. Those affected often complain of a blocked nose or persistent sneezing. In rare cases, a mite allergy can also make itself felt through a skin rash.
In the case of a mite allergy, the skin is usually not affected. In rare cases, however, a skin rash can occur, which is mainly where there is contact with the mites. This is usually the case on the arms and legs, as these have the most contact with the bedding and mattress when sleeping.
In an allergy test, a solution containing the allergen is injected under the uppermost layers of skin. If wheals form or if the area becomes red and itchy, there is a high probability of an allergy. The same symptoms can also occur when hyposensitization is injected.
This is the case in about 60% of patients. As a rule, however, it is harmless. After treatment, patients must remain in the practice for at least 30 minutes in order to be able to quickly treat any stronger reactions of the body, such as an allergic shock.
In addition to frequent sneezing fits and a chronically blocked nose, sore throats can also be a sign of a house dust mite allergy. As a result of the allergic reaction, the mucous membranes of the nose and throat become irritated and swell. As a result, the throat burns or hurts.
Increased fluid intake and gargling with salt water can alleviate the symptoms. If the pain is very severe, the doctor can prescribe certain anti-allergic drugs, such as antihistamines. The itching caused by a mite allergy mainly affects the nose.
Many patients feel a slight or stronger tingling sensation here, which is often accompanied by sneezing attacks. Rarely does itching of the skin occur. Mostly this itching occurs after an allergy test or after hyposensitization.
