Dust mite and pet allergy

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goodtoknow says: One of the most common allergies, house dust-mite allergy can trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, tight chest, runny nose and sore eyes. It's normally the droppings rather than the mite itself that people react too. We all have the tiny mites in our homes, no matter how clean. They live in bedding and mattresses and feed off dead skin cells. You can get similar symptoms if you're allergic to a household pet. Antihistamine medication and inhalers are very effective at minimising symptoms, but try to avoid the triggers and use mite-proof bedding. You could also remove carpets, in which they live, too.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatment of house dust-mite and pet allergy from patient.co.uk, read on.

A common cause of nose and eye inflammation is an allergy to house dust mite, or to a pet. In some people with asthma, the allergy can make chest symptoms worse. Treatment with medication can often clear the symptoms, but usually needs to be taken regularly. Avoiding the cause of the allergy is sometimes considered. Immunotherapy to 'desensitise' you from the allergy may be an option.

Two common allergies

Allergy to house dust mite

The house dust mite is a tiny creature that lives in every home. It mainly lives in bedrooms and mattresses where it lives off human skin scales and forms part of the dust. It usually causes no harm, but some people are allergic to the tiny droppings (faeces) of the mite. A 'skin prick' test can confirm the allergy.

Allergy to pets

Cats are the most common culprits, but allergy to other animals such as dogs, horses, hamsters, etc, can also occur. Dander or hairs from a cat or other animal can remain airborne for hours, and then settle onto soft furnishing, floors, and carpets. Therefore, even when the animal is not close, you can still be in contact with the cause of the symptoms. A 'skin prick' test can confirm the allergy.