People with seasonal allergies can often predict their allergy season months ahead of time and prepare for those tell-tale symptoms of watery and itchy eyes, a dry and hacking cough, sore throat, headache, stuffy nose, and fatigue, to name a few. However, people with a dust allergy may not realize that they have an allergy because the symptoms are often present throughout the year. Dust in the home may be lurking in unsuspecting places, and identifying sources can be one of the first steps toward allergy relief.
Dust Mites Can Cause Allergy Symptoms
Dust mites are tiny arachnids that thrive in temperatures above 70 degrees with a humidity above 75 percent. High numbers of these creatures are often found in areas where there are large quantities of human skin that has shed, such as in bedding, carpets, upholstery, and pets. People with a dust mite allergy react when inhaling protein-containing particles from dust mites that become airborne, such as with vacuuming or walking on carpet. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) article entitled “House Dust Allergy,” one gram of dust may contain up to 19,000 dust mites, and each mite can produce up to ten to twenty waste particles per day.
Cockroaches May Cause Symptoms in People With Dust Mite Allergy
Cockroaches do not have to be visible in order to cause an allergic reaction. According to the above ACAAI article, dust may contain allergy-inducing cockroach protein that is found in cockroach saliva, feces, secretions, and bodies.
Cockroaches are often found in homes where there is food and moisture and are often drawn to the kitchen area but may be found anywhere inside. Roaches may also be found in schools, businesses, multi-family housing units, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. Complete extermination of cockroaches is particularly challenging in the southern United States, where these hearty creatures can often be found in large numbers.
Allergy Symptoms May Result from Exposure to Indoor Mold
Mold, or fungi, in the home may be obvious, as in cases of flood damage; or the mold might be concealed behind walls, under carpet, behind appliances, or other places. Potentially moist areas, such as areas around pipes with condensation or leaks or areas near foundations combined with warmer temperatures tend to promote mold growth. Some molds produce a distinctive smell while others may not. Dust containing mold spores can travel in the air and may cause allergy symptoms when susceptible people are in areas away from the primary source.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers numerous resources related to indoor and outdoor mold allergies.
Animals and Pets Can Trigger Symptoms in People with a Dust Allergy
Warm-blooded animals, such as cats, dogs, guinea pigs, and hampsters, can cause allergy symptoms when someone with a dust allergy comes in contact with the animal’s hair, skin, saliva, or fecal matter. These allergens may cling to clothing and later be distributed in other areas such as work sites and classrooms. There are no “allergy free” dogs or cats, but seniors should carefully weigh the pros and cons of having a pet that induces allergy symptoms.
Does a Dust Allergy Indicate Poor Housekeeping Skills?
All homes contain a certain amount of dust, and some people are more sensitive to dust than others. Tiny amounts of dust in the air can start the cascade of allergy symptoms in those who are very sensitive. Normal cleaning may not be sufficient to remove all components of dust. Some cleaning techniques, like using a feather duster or air sprayer to rid an area of dust, may increase the amount of dust in the air and worsen allergy symptoms. Animals such as cockroaches can easily enter a building in someone's pocketbook, bags, or other items.
Identifying Dust and Other Allergy Sources
Seniors who suffer from year-round allergy symptoms may assume that they just have to live with it, but discovering triggers and hidden sources goes a long way in the treatment process. Controlling exposure to dust mites, mold, cockroaches, and warm-blooded animals may improve dust allergy symptoms drastically. Many seniors who have one allergy may also have other unknown allergies, such as those to foods. A visit with a healthcare provider and possibly an allergist may help year-round and seasonal allergy sufferers to determine their specific allergies and the best and safest course of action.
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