{"id":30520,"date":"2026-10-06T11:23:46","date_gmt":"2026-10-06T09:23:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/non-classifiee\/allergie-aux-acariens-symptomes-et-traitements\/"},"modified":"2026-10-07T15:08:40","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T13:08:40","slug":"dust-mite-allergy-symptoms-and-treatments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/en\/our-advice\/dust-mite-allergy-symptoms-and-treatments\/","title":{"rendered":"House dust mite allergy: what are the symptoms and how can they be relieved?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

House dust mite allergy disrupts the daily lives of many people, all year round. One study estimates that around 4 to 6 per cent of the world\u2019s population is affected [1]. What are the typical symptoms? How can you be sure it is actually caused by house dust mites? What treatments and measures can you take to find relief? Let\u2019s take a closer look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

N.B.:<\/strong> This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Key points to remember<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\u27a1\ufe0f An allergy to house dust mites can cause sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, itching, red eyes or even breathing difficulties.
\u27a1\ufe0f House dust mites do not bite and do not live under the skin. It is mainly their allergens that trigger reactions.
\u27a1\ufe0f Unlike pollen, dust mites are present in homes all year round.
\u27a1\ufe0f An allergy assessment involving skin prick tests or specific IgE testing can help confirm a dust mite allergy.
\u27a1\ufe0f Treatment involves reducing exposure, taking medication to relieve symptoms and, in some cases, desensitisation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why do dust mites cause allergies?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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It is not only live dust mites that cause an allergic reaction. Their allergens \u2013 which are proteins found in<\/strong> their faeces and body debris<\/strong> \u2013 also play a part [2].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These microscopic particles accumulate in dust, mattresses and other textiles. When you change the bed linen, or whilst cleaning, for example, some of these particles may become airborne and be inhaled [2].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a person with an allergy, the immune system regards some of these proteins as a threat and produces antibodies called IgE<\/strong>. This immune response from your body can trigger allergy symptoms [3].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not everyone is therefore allergic to dust mites.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the symptoms of a dust mite allergy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The symptoms of a dust mite allergy<\/strong> are similar to those of other respiratory allergies. They mainly affect the nose and eyes, but can also affect the throat, the airways and, occasionally, the skin [4].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Affected area<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Possible symptoms<\/strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Nose<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itching<\/td><\/tr>
Eyes<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Redness, itching, watery eyes<\/td><\/tr>
Throat<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Irritation, itching, discomfort<\/td><\/tr>
Respiratory tract<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>
Cough, wheezing, breathing difficulties<\/td><\/tr>
Skin<\/strong><\/td>Itching; may exacerbate atopic dermatitis in some people<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms may be more pronounced<\/strong> at night or upon waking<\/strong>, particularly because dust mites are very common in bedding [4].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Key point:<\/strong> Unlike a seasonal allergy, a dust mite allergy can cause symptoms all year round. However, these symptoms alone are not enough to make a diagnosis: other allergens or respiratory problems can cause similar symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Eye symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A dust mite allergy can cause allergic conjunctivitis<\/strong><\/a>, with the following symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n