Allergies, asthma, and dust
In people who have sensitive airways, allergy and asthma symptoms can be triggered by breathing in substances called allergens, or triggers. It is important to know your triggers because avoiding them is your first step toward feeling better. Dust is a common trigger.
Allergy
An allergy is an immune response or reaction to substances that are usually not harmful.
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Asthma is a chronic disease that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow. It leads to breathing difficulty such as wheezing, shortness o...
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An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction. In some people, the immune system recognizes allergens as foreign or dangerous. As ...
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Allergy to mold - animal dander - dust - Animation
Your house is where you're supposed to feel most comfortable, but for many people life at home is pretty unpleasant. When they breathe in the tiny particles of dust, mold, or pet dander that are floating around their house, they sneeze, cough, break out in a rash, and can even have trouble catching their breath. Let's talk about allergies to mold, pet dander, and dust. Although we try to keep our homes clean, all sorts of little critters can sneak in. Mold is a tiny fungus that thrives in damp places, like your bathroom shower curtain or basement ceiling. Dust is made up of particles from your skin and clothing, plus tiny insects called mites. It floats around your house, skirting your broom and collecting into bunnies. And pet dander is the little pieces of skin your dog or cat sheds. Most of us can breathe in a little bit of mold, dust, or dander without having any problems. But for some people, these substances trigger a chorus of sneezes, wheezes, and coughs, as well as watery eyes, itchy skin, and hives. If you're allergic to dust, dander, or mold, it's because your immune system is over-reacting, mistakenly targeting them as if they were bacteria or viruses. So, how do you know you have an allergy? Your doctor can find out for sure by doing allergy tests. One common way to do these tests is to put a small amount of the offending substance under your skin. If you have a reaction, you're probably allergic to it. You can also have a blood test to look for substances called antibodies, which your body produces in response to dust and other allergens. How your allergy is treated depends on your symptoms, and what's causing it. You may take allergy medicines like Zyrtec or Claritin. Or, you can have allergy shots to get your body used to whatever substance you're allergic to, so it doesn't react to it in the future. The obvious treatment is to avoid whatever is causing your allergy. Once you know what you are allergic to you may want to, Keep your house dry so mold has nowhere to grow. If your home tends to be humid, a dehumidifier can help take some of the moisture out of the air. Throw out any moldy shower curtains and clean mold from ceilings and floors. Wrap your mattresses, box springs, and pillows in dust mite-proof covers. Wash all of your bedding in hot water at least once a week. Also wash stuffed toys, which can collect dust, and vacuum carpets. Wash and groom your pet regularly to get rid of dander. And install a HEPA filter to clean the air in your home. By keeping your house clean and treating your symptoms, you should be able to live more comfortably in your home without sneezing. Allergy shots can also do the trick. If you've tried everything and your allergies are still driving you nuts, talk to your doctor about finding other ways to relieve your symptoms.
Dust and Dust Mites
When your asthma or allergies become worse due to dust, you are said to have a dust allergy.
- Very tiny insects called dust mites are the main cause of dust allergies. Dust mites can only be seen under a microscope. Most dust mites in your home are found in bedding, mattresses, and box springs.
- House dust may also contain tiny particles of pollen, mold, fibers from clothing and fabrics, and detergents. All of these can also trigger allergies and asthma.
Choose the Right Home Furnishings
You can do many things to limit your or your child's exposure to dust and dust mites.
Replace blinds that have slats and cloth draperies with pull-down shades. They will not collect as much dust.
Dust particles collect in fabrics and carpets.
- If you can, get rid of fabric or upholstered furniture. Wood, leather, and vinyl are better.
- Avoid sleeping or lying on cushions and furniture that are covered in cloth.
- Replace wall-to-wall carpet with wood or other hard flooring.
Since mattresses, box springs, and pillows are hard to avoid:
- Wrap them with mite-proof covers.
- Wash bedding and pillows once a week in hot water (130°F [54.4°C] to 140°F [60°C]).
Other Tips
Keep indoor air dry. Dust mites thrive in moist air.
In the basement:
- Check your basement for moisture and mold.
- Use a dehumidifier to keep the air drier. Keeping indoor moisture levels (humidity) between 30% to 50% will keep mold spores down.
- Empty dehumidifiers daily and clean them often with a vinegar solution.
Central heating and air-conditioning systems may help control dust.
- The system should include special filters to capture dust and animal dander.
- Change furnace filters frequently.
- Use high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.
When cleaning:
- Wipe away dust with a damp cloth and vacuum once a week. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to help control the dust that vacuuming stirs up.
- Use furniture polish to help reduce dust and other allergens.
- Wear a mask when you clean the house.
- You and your child should leave the house when others are cleaning, if possible.
Keep stuffed toys off beds, and wash them weekly.
Keep closets clean and closet doors closed.
Reviewed By
Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology website. Home allergy management. acaai.org/resource/home-allergy-management/. Updated June 28, 2023. Accessed April 12, 2024.
Matsui E, Platts-Mills TAE. Indoor allergens. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O'Hehir RE, et al, eds. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 28.
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