Indoor Allergens: Common Triggers in Your Home

All buildings contain indoor allergens. Most people are exposed to these allergens by breathing them in. Exposure can also happen if allergens are ingested or if they come in contact with the eyes or skin. Millions of people suffer year-round from allergy symptoms caused by indoor allergens, which come from various sources, including dust mite droppings, cockroach droppings, and molds.

House Dust Mite

House dust mite allergy is an allergic reaction to tiny bugs commonly living 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.

The house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farina and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, HDM) gets its name from its habitat-household dust. The main component of dust is shed skin flakes, which are the mite’s preferred food source. These mites do not live on humans, but rather close to us. They thrive in warm and humid conditions and are often found in bedding, carpets, soft furnishings, and clothing where dust containing skin scales gather. It is not possible to completely eliminate house dust mites from your home, no matter how clean it is.

Both the body parts and the waste of dust mites are allergens. While most dust mites die in low humidity levels or extreme temperatures, they leave behind their dead bodies and waste, which can continue to cause allergic reactions. In a warm, humid house, dust mites can survive all year round. Cleaning processes, such as vacuuming, sweeping, and dusting, can stir up dust particles, making them easier to inhale. So, allergy symptoms often worsen during or immediately after these cleaning activities.