Dust mites and your health

House dust mite allergen is proven to cause or seriously exacerbate the symptoms of: Asthma, Eczema, Rhinitis, Rhinorrhoea, Bronchitis and Conjunctivitis. It may also be connected to Early Waking, Disturbed Sleep Pattern, Headaches and Migraines and Irritable Bowel Syndrome as well as aggravating skin conditions and respiratory problems including sneezing, coughing and wheezing.

The dust mite itself, in spite of its fearsome appearance, is generally believed to be harmless. Its droppings, called guanine, are the culprits. High guanine concentrations can trigger a range of symptoms in sensitized people.

Allergens affect not only those already suffering from allergies. People who have not previously suffered from them may develop sensitivities or even asthma in the presence of high allergen concentrations. According to a recent study, undertaken by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS):

"For people who are not allergic to these allergens, steps to reduce exposure may reduce the chance of developing allergies and asthma. For those who are already allergic and/or asthmatic, steps to reduce exposure may decrease the severity of the symptoms of these diseases."

www.niehs.nih.gov/oc/news/bedding.htm

Asthma is one of the fastest growing diseases in the developed world, and in many populations has acquired epidemic proportions. The relationship between dust mite allergens and asthma is complex and important. It is known that as many as 85% of asthma sufferers are allergic to dust mites, and recent studies found that exposure to inhaled allergens such as dust mites may contribute to the development of chronic airway inflammation.