House dust mites
house; dust; child; allergy; asthma; mite; mites; allergic; droppings ;
Contents
House dust mite droppings are a common trigger of allergic reactions including asthma, hay fever and excema. They can also a factor in sinusitis and middle ear infections.
House dust mites live in every home.
What are house dust mites?
- House dust mites are very tiny creatures, about one third of a millimetre long, and belong to the spider family.
- They feed on the dead scales that come from the surface of skin all the time.
- They do really well in warm moist places where there are plenty of shed skin scales (eg mattresses, pillows, blankets, carpet, quilts, soft toys).
- For most of the year (except perhaps the hottest dry months), conditions in coastal towns and cities in Australia suit their growth. They appear to be less common in very hot, dry areas.
- All houses have house dust mites. They are not a sign of being dirty.
Problems from house dust mites
- House dust mite droppings can trigger (set off) attacks of asthma and hay fever in many children and adults. They also seem to be involved in eczema, sinusitis and middle ear infections in some people.
Control of house dust mites
Trying to reduce house dust mites takes a lot of work, so check with your doctor first to see whether the effort is worthwhile. Skin tests to see if the child or adult is allergic to house duct mite droppings may be needed.
There is research showing that trying to reduce dust mites does not help prevent asthma, eczema or hayfever, but it is still often recommended.
For more information about ways that may decrease the amount of house dust mites and their droppings have a look at the Asthma Foundation of South Australia Fact sheet 'House dust mites'.
Other ways to reduce asthma and hay fever triggers at home
In a home there can be many other triggers, such as dust, humidity, airbourne pollens, fumes and gases, mould and pets. Some ideas to reduce these triggers include:
- Make sure there is good ventilation in the house.
- Damp dust surfaces, so that dust is not stirred up into the air.
- Using electric radiators as they heat evenly with no hot or cold spots, and they do not stir up dust.
- Have extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove moisture and fumes.
- Using an electric oven and hot plate reduces any problems caused by gas fumes.
- Keep furry pets (such as dogs and cats) outside, or choose a pet that is not furry (such as fish, turtles or lizards).
- Choose low odour paints, fragrance free deodorants, and other low allergy products if others are a problem. Avoid hairsprays and perfume if needed.
South Australia
Asthma Foundation of SA Fact Sheet about 'House dust mite'
Asthma SA Information Sheet 'Breathe better home'
http://www.breathebetter.com.au/
The Lancet Editorial 'Dust mite control measures of no use' The Lancet, Vo371, No 9622, 26 April 2008 Click here
Gotzsche PC, Johansen HK 'House dust mite control measures for asthma' Cochrane Reviews, Cochrane Collaboration December 2007
http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab001187.html
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).
This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your
child's sex.