Approximately 50 million Americans experience at least one allergic reaction each year. And surprisingly, allergies are the sixth most prevalent cause of chronic illness.
Of course, people can suffer adverse reactions due to various allergens, including foods, plants, and medications. Yet, the most common allergens are mold, pollen, and dust.
However, this post will help you identify dust allergy symptoms, as this allergen is found in nearly every household. Considering these symptoms will help you decide whether you should visit the doctor or rule out this type of allergy altogether.
So if you’re wondering, “am I allergic to dust?” keep reading to find out more!
What Causes Dust Allergies?
People who have dust allergies aren’t allergic to dust itself but rather to a tiny organism that lives within it- the dust mite. Even though they are related to spiders and ticks, they are too small for the naked eye to see.
Dust mites survive in your homes by feeding on dead skin. Thus, eliminating dust and dander from your home is a great way to evict these unwanted house guests and ease your allergy.
Dust Allergy Symptoms
Although dust mites are the culprit of your allergies, they don’t cause the symptoms you experience. Rather, these symptoms are a response from your immune system caused by inhaling these little critters.
- Sneezing and runny nose
- Coughing
- Nasal congestion
- Irritated and watery eyes
- Itchy nose or mouth
Of course, symptoms caused by a dust allergy may be similar to asthma, a cold or flu, or even COVID. So be sure to visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Diagnosing a Dust Allergy
During your doctor’s appointment, your physician will likely use an instrument with a light to check your nasal passage. If you are allergic to an airborne substance, the skin in your nose will appear swollen and irritated.
Next, your doctor will likely order an allergy test to confirm whether dust is the cause of your allergy or if it is something else. Specialists known as allergists take extracts of dust, dander, or other allergens and prick them into the surface of your forearm’s skin.
After the test, nurses will check for signs of an allergic reaction after a certain amount of time has passed. If you are allergic to any substance they test you for, you will have red bumps that feel itchy. Thankfully, these normally disappear after 30 minutes or an hour.
Treatment for Dust Allergies
First and foremost, you can control dust allergies by avoiding exposure to irritants and keeping your surroundings clean.
Thus, you may consider removing what causes dust, such as carpet and rugs, from your home. Moreover, it would help if you washed bedding and vacuumed floors frequently.
When cleaning, be sure to wear a mask and gloves, which will reduce the amount of dust with which you come in contact. Moreover, consider using an air purifier to remove dust and allergens from the air.
Despite these precautions, there may be occasions in which avoiding dust is impossible. So, your doctor may recommend medications to relieve your symptoms when you have reactions. These may be:
- Antihistamines
- Corticosteroids
- Decongestants
- Leukotriene modifiers
And if your allergies are severe, your doctor may even suggest immunotherapy or nasal irrigation.
Don’t Let Dust Allergy Symptoms Interfere with Your Life
If you deal with dust allergy symptoms, you understand how bothersome they can be. Yet, you can regain control of your health and feel much better with the proper diagnosis and treatment. So, don’t wait and schedule an appointment with your doctor!
Hopefully, this post helped you identify your dust allergy problem. So, why not take a look at more of our useful content? We have more health and wellness articles you’ll enjoy!
