You have noticed that you are sneezing, wheezing, and having a bad nose.You could have an allergy to dust mites.Dust mite allergies are different from ragweed and tree pollen because they live in our beds, linens, sofas and carpets.It is possible to control the mite population in your home and relieve your symptoms if you do so.
Step 1: Choose the right bedding.
Natural dust mite repellants are found in some fabrics.If you live in a cold climate, wool blankets and sheets can help prevent allergies.You will find that wool keeps you warmer in the winter and cooler during the summer, as it traps warm air and pulls hydration from your skin.
Step 2: Protect the mattress.
Some mattresses have a barrier that prevents mites and mite feces from entering and affecting one's rest.It is possible to use antimicrobial mattress and pillow protectors.Depending on the severity of your allergies, the mattress should be cleaned more frequently.
Step 3: Your bed needs to be steamed.
Dust mites are killed by high heat.You can buy a steam cleaner to help your allergies.As you travel, you can use a portable cleaner to clean hotel rooms.It's a good idea to clean every other week.Companies like Coit and Stanley Steamer can come to your home and clean all of the beds.
Step 4: Bring your bedding with you.
Dust mites and their droppings can affect your allergies if you put your bed in an enclosed mattress bag.The bag you purchase should be tested and certified to not allow the passing of mites.
Step 5: The bedding and fabrics should be washed.
Don't forget to wash your drapes, towels, curtains, and linens.The hot water will kill the dust mites.It is recommended that you wash items on a weekly basis if you want the water to be hot enough to kill the mites.
Step 6: The humidity needs to be maintained at low levels.
When the humidity falls below a certain point, allergy sufferers should keep the level between 30% to 50% humidity.The level of humidity in your home can be controlled with a humidity control system.The dial should be adjusted according to the outside temperature.There is a complete list of instructions.Whole- home systems made by Aprilaire or Healthy Climate start at around $285.The excess humidity in the air should be removed with a dehumidifier.Basements tend to have higher levels of humidity.It is a good idea to install a hose that you can connect directly into a drain if you decide to get a dehumidifier.You don't have to empty the drain pan continuously when the machine is turned off.
Step 7: Check out the air-conditioning technologies.
Several manufacturers are offering portable air purifiers for the home.These can be used to deal with dust mite sensitivities.Whole house purifiers can be attached to a furnace for forced-air purification.Some of these installations can be pricey, but they can really improve indoor air quality and help with allergies.Single-room air purifiers that only require a new filter once every 4 to 5 months are one of the more affordable options.When you are away from home for extended periods, using a smaller unit will allow you to turn it off and reduce the amount of electricity you use.
Step 8: Dust and a vacuum.
Dust mites and debris can be kept out of the air with regular household maintenance.It is recommended that you vacuum at least once a week.Frequent vacuuming will prolong the life of your carpet.Regular mopping on hardwood floors will remove the mites and other dirt, which will make your floors last longer by keeping dirt from scratching the surface.Simple cleaning can cause issues, so consider having someone without allergies clean your home.It is possible to ask a friend, family member or private company to clean on a regular basis.Dust mite problems won't be fixed by vacuuming and dusting.Allergens can be found on beds, drapes, linens, and furniture.You will need to use other methods to treat the dust mite problem.
Step 9: Get rid of your rugs and carpets.
They provide warmth, but rugs and carpeting could be to blame.Severe allergy sufferers may want to get rid of the carpeting in their home.If you want to avoid dust mites, hardwood, laminate and tile floors are better.
Step 10: The sun is a good place to use it.
It is free to kill mites when the sun is shining.Hanging your linens and drapes outside to dry in the fresh air and sunlight is the main way to use our most abundant renewable resource.The sunlight does kill the mite, but it doesn't remove the allergens from the environment.If you want to eliminate the physical presence of the mites from your home, you need to use another method of cleaning and removal.
Step 11: Put your pet in a bathtub.
We love our dogs and cats, but not the dust mites they carry in their fur.Dust mites and pet dander can be reduced by bathing your pet.There are many breeds of dogs and cats that are easy to care for.Getting non-allergy producing pets and bathing your pets regardless is a step in the right direction, but always you need to clean your home to help the problem.
Step 12: The stuffed animals have to be clean.
There are mites that live on fabrics and that is what stuffed animals are covered in.Put your child's fluffy friend in the dryer for 10 minutes to clean it.It's a good idea to avoid putting plastic in the dryer.Placing these items in a plastic bag and putting them in the freezer for a short time will kill dust mites.An efficient method of cleaning is washing.The animals should be laundered for a high heat cycle.Animals should be placed in a laundry bag for protection.
Step 13: You should apply a pesticide.
While using a pesticide can be effective, it is important to mention that they may have a limited effect as mites are immune to pesticides.You can use a spray, powder, or fogger to help with your mite problem.When using a pesticide, make sure you use a natural, non-toxic product like an organic dust mite killer on items that cannot be laundered.You can choose one of several options that should be done weekly.You can use Good- Night dust spray on mattresses and bedding if you want to.You will need to wash the items after using the spray.Allerseach X-Mite is a carpet treatment.The treatment should be brushed into the carpet with a broom and left for three hours.You need to vacuum it up after that.
Step 14: Seek help.
If you have severe allergies and the symptoms are becoming more than you can handle, you might consider seeing a medical professional.Some symptoms, like red eyes, may not be alarming to some, but headaches can cause a lot of pain.Severe allergies can cause headaches.Proper assessment for any condition is crucial, so do your due diligence on finding the right resources.The WebMD allergy assessment can be done here: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/allegies-assessment/default.htm.If your symptoms become intolerable, you should go to your doctor.They can help design a treatment plan.
Step 15: If you have allergy symptoms, use medication.
Taking medication may be the last resort for some.There are many options if you need medication.Over-the-counter drugs help.If you want to get relief from itchy, watery eyes or a stuffy nose, you could try using an over-the-counter drug like Benadryl.Steroids can help reduce swelling in the nose.Before taking any medication, double-check with your doctor.
Step 16: Try it.
The treatment involves getting allergy shots.Exposure to allergens can help reduce your sensitivity.Your doctor can tell you if this is the right course of action for you.
Step 17: Get an allergy test.
If your symptoms are caused by an allergy to dust mites, you need to have a skin test or a blood test.A skin test is done by putting a small scratch on the skin and watching for a reaction.If you are too sensitive to the skin test, you can have a blood test done.Each allergy is added to a sample of your blood as part of the blood test.As the blood reacts to the allergen, it is observed how many antibodies it produces.