One of the most important causes of allergies and asthma is dust mites and their waste. Its symptoms include sneezing, runny noses, coughing and trouble breathing. In that case, you require the help of an allergy physician.

No matter how neat and spotless your house may look, dust mites can sneak into places you cannot even see. They consume stray human skin cells as well as absorb moisture from the air. They usually live in temperatures between 65 to 84 Fahrenheit and humidity levels above 50 percent.

If you are wondering how these dust mites survive in your house even after you properly clean it, it is because they hide in tiny places. They mostly stay in the fibers of the textiles and furiniture in your house.

Dealing with dust mite allergies

Dust mite allergies are caused due to the feces and decaying bodies of the dust mites. The immune systems get triggered due to these foreign substances and starts producing antibodies to protect your body against it. This causes an inflammatory reaction that can develop inflammation, asthma etc.

Here is how you can cure dust mite allergies.

Clean your home properly

While casual cleaning may not help you get rid off dust mites, thoroughly cleaning your house will definitely make a little difference. Either get your house, especially your bedroom, cleaned by someone who is not allergic to dust mites, or wear a mask if you want to clean it yourself. There are however some steps you will need to take in order to properly clean your house.

• Use a damp cloth to dust furniture
• Use a damp mop to clean the floors
• Wash rugs in hot water or dry clean them
• Cover the mattresses, pillows and box springs with plastic or dust mite encasements.
• Use pillows that have polyester fiber filling. Avoid pillows with feathers
• Wash the bedding weekly in hot water. Washing them with cold water does not kill the dust mites as effectively
• Use microfiltration bags in the vacuum cleane

Control the humidity and dust levels in air

This sounds like a hard task but controlling humidity and dust levels is actually really simple. You can use a dehumidifier or an air conditioner to keep the humidity levels low. Use a hygrometer to measure the humidity. Make sure that it is below 50 percent. Humidity levels above 50 percent encourage the growth of dust mites.

To control the dust levels in air, use good quality filters. A HEPA filter with a high MERV rating can keep most a great amount of dust outside the house. Wash the filters frequently and change them every three months to help filter maximum dust.

Reduce hiding spots

Reduce, or if possible, eliminate hiding spots that will serve as a home for the dust mites. These include getting rid of any and every furniture that may contribute as a hiding spot for the dust mites. Get rid of stuffed toys. Use a different flooring material and avoid using carpets. Similarly, avoid using drapes and instead opt for window shades. Window shades are much easier to clean as compared to draperies. When choosing beddings, pillowcases or any other fabrics, make sure to choose the ones that are easily washable.

Conclusion

Dust mites can cause severe allergic reactions that can be controlled by following these simple steps. Cleaning your home thoroughly, getting rid of hiding spots as well as controlling humidity and dust levels in the air can help get rid of dust mites.

Moreover, washing the fabrics such as bedding with hot water will also get rid off dust mites. You can also get personalized assistance from an allergist in order to deal with your symptoms.