Heatwave Brings on Dust Mite Allergies
Friday, July 09, 2010
If you think this week's heatwave is making you hot and miserable and if you have dust mite allergies, it's likely that you're experiencing some heavy duty allergy symptoms. The record-setting heat provides the perfect breeding ground for dust mites, making it an extremely difficult week for those who suffer from asthma, eczema or indoor allergies.
Approximately 10 percent of Americans exhibit allergic sensitivity to dust mites, according to the American College of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology. In the spring, pollen aggravates allergies, and dust mite infestations make it worse.
The highest dust mite densities occur in the humid summer months. The average household has millions of dust mites that are so tiny – about 0.3mm long – that you won't be able to see them. They patiently await their favorite dinner – the dead human skin that we all shed every week. In an extra warm bed with sweating commonplace in the summer months, you shed skin, the dust mites chow down and then leave droppings. The little buggers don't make you sneeze or have itchy eyes, their droppings do.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIn fact, nearly half of a pillow's weight is made up of dead dust mites and their feces, according to Harry Walker, the CEO and founder of Smartsilk, a company that makes allergy friendly natural bedding. The same goes for your mattress. Using a cover that creates a barrier between you and those annoying little dust mites on your pillows and mattresses is a big help.
Signs and Symptoms of Dust Mite Allergies
Some of the common symptoms of dust mite allergies are: itchy, red, or wateryeyes; runny nose or nasal congestion;itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat; sneezing, asthma, or difficulty in breathing; a cough; and acial pressure.
Controlling Dust Mites
You may not be able to get rid of them completely, but there are several things that will help keep them under control. Buy a dust mite impervious cover for bedding (available at sites such as www.allergystore.com/), wash sheets and blankets in very hot water and keep your home cool and dry. Dust mites love warm, humid conditions, above 70 F and 50% humidity, so if you have air conditioning, keep your thermostat below 70 degrees and use a dehumidifier.
The heat wave in the Northeast has allergies going full tilt right now. Here in Rhode Island those who suffer from allergies have already had their fill when it comes to allergens this year. After the recent flooding across the state, mold allergies have been on the rise. There's also been a higher than usual season for tree and grass pollen. Add the hot weather increasing the dust mite problem and it's a summer full of suffering after a long sprint for those with allergies.
Your best bet before grabbing an over the counter med for allergies is to speak to an allergist so you are treating the right allergies. To find an adult allergy or pediatric allergy specialist in Rhode Island: http://www.lifespan.org/hch/services/allergy/
Related Articles
- Forget Hurricanes, It’s Allergy Season
- Three Plants That Might Ruin Your Day
- Sneeze-Free Gardening: Plant Smartly