What are dust mites?

Dust mite allergy is an allergic reaction to tiny bugs that commonly live in house dust. Signs of dust mite allergy include those common to hay fever, such as sneezing and runny nose. Many people with dust mite allergy also experience signs of asthma, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Dust mites, close relatives of ticks and spiders, are too small to see without a microscope. Dust mites eat skin cells shed by people, and they thrive in warm, humid environments. In most homes, such items as bedding, upholstered furniture and carpeting provide an ideal environment for dust mites.

By taking steps to reduce the number of dust mites in your home, you may get control of dust mite allergy. Medications or other treatments are sometimes necessary to relieve symptoms and manage asthma.
Symptoms

Dust mite allergy symptoms caused by inflammation of nasal passages include:

SneezingRunny noseItchy, red or watery eyesNasal congestionItchy nose, roof of mouth or throatPostnasal dripCoughFacial pressure and painSwollen, blue-colored skin under your eyesIn a child, frequent upward rubbing of the nose

If your dust mite allergy contributes to asthma, you may also experience:

Difficulty breathingChest tightness or painAn audible whistling or wheezing sound when exhalingTrouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezingBouts of coughing or wheezing that are worsened by a respiratory virus such as a cold or the flu

A dust mite allergy can range from mild to severe. A mild case of dust mite allergy may cause an occasional runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing. In severe cases, the condition may be ongoing (chronic), resulting in persistent sneezing, cough, congestion, facial pressure, an eczema flare-up or severe asthma attack