Definition: Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic bugs that live in household dust. They work their way into soft places like pillows, blankets, mattresses, and stuffed animals. Many people with asthma are allergic to dust - but in fact it's the droppings produced by the mites in the dust, along with the body fragments of dead dust mites, that really cause allergic reactions. When breathed in, these can lead a person to develop allergy or asthma symptoms.