The Risks of House Dust Mites in the Home

Allergic reactions that occur in living spaces are largely caused by dust mites, which are the most common allergens found in homes. These tiny creatures not only spread through the air but are also found on furniture and textiles in the home. The primary culprit for the development of allergic symptoms is the feces of dust mites, which are microscopic in size and become airborne when inhaled.

The increase in the number of dust mites is most noticeable during the spring and autumn months when the humidity levels in homes are at their highest. The warm, humid environment creates favorable conditions for them, and in many cases, the heating solutions used by residents further contribute to their proliferation. Therefore, the presence of dust mites affects not only air quality but also the health of residents, making it important to address them consciously.

There are several options available for combating dust mites, which can help reduce complaints and improve the air quality in our homes.

Characteristics of Dust Mites

There are two main species of dust mites: Dermatophagoides pteronyssus and Dermatophagoides farinae. These organisms are approximately 0.3 mm long and are closely related to spiders. Dust mites primarily feed on skin flakes shed from humans, which accumulate in living spaces, especially in bedding, upholstery, and carpets.

The human skin loses about 1.5 grams of skin cells daily, providing enough food for up to a million mites. It is important to note that the skin cells that fall off the human body are not directly digestible by the mites; therefore, they require other organisms, such as molds, to help break down the skin cells.

Favorable living conditions for dust mites include temperatures between 17-25 °C and high humidity. In such an environment, they reproduce rapidly, while extreme temperatures, such as -20 °C or above 55 °C, can destroy them. Therefore, it is crucial to wash or freeze potentially contaminated textiles, such as bedding, at high temperatures.

Symptoms of Dust Mite Allergy

The symptoms of dust mite allergy are closely related to pollen allergies, yet there are some differences. Nasal congestion is the most characteristic symptom of dust mite allergy, whereas in cases of pollen allergy, a runny nose is more common. The most common symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy nose, sneezing, redness of the eyes, itchy eyes, tearing, and itchy palate.

For those allergic to dust mites, symptoms can worsen and may even trigger asthma attacks. Additionally, skin problems such as hives or red spots may occur. The appearance and severity of symptoms can vary, but appropriate treatment and prevention can help alleviate complaints.

Effective Prevention Methods

The most important step in reducing dust mite allergy is minimizing the number of dust mites. The primary goal is to make sleeping areas and bedrooms mite-free. Dust mites favor hiding places such as carpets, upholstery, curtains, and furniture covers, so it is advisable to use these as little as possible.

It is recommended to cover floors with seamless, easy-to-clean materials like hardwood, and to choose synthetic curtains. For furniture, models with leather or faux leather upholstery are suggested.

Regular cleaning and vacuuming are essential to reduce the number of mites. The vacuum cleaner should be equipped with a HEPA filter to minimize the amount of allergens released into the air. Air filters can also effectively reduce the concentration of airborne allergens, so it is worth using them to improve the home environment.

Air conditioning systems can help filter out external allergens, such as pollen and mold spores, and by reducing humidity, they create unfavorable conditions for dust mites. Change bedding weekly and wash it at a minimum of 60 °C, and choose mattress and pillow covers made of breathable materials.

Replacing carpets with hardwood floors, using damp dusting, and a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter all contribute to allergen-free living spaces. Clean the bathroom and kitchen with specialized mold-killing agents to reduce the chances of mold growth, thereby preventing dust mites from settling.