What are the symptoms of a bed mites allergy?


Quick Answer

When exposed to dust mites, which commonly thrive in the bedroom, people with dust mite allergy experience a runny, itchy or stuffy nose, postnasal drip, sinus pressure, or watery eyes, reports Healthline. Other symptoms of dust mite allergy include an itchy throat, coughing, sleeping difficulty, and swollen, bluish skin below the eyes.

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Full Answer

Asthma sufferers with dust mite allergy tend to experience breathing trouble, a painful or tight chest, or a noticeable wheezing noise when exhaling, according to Mayo Clinic. They also find it hard to sleep due to breathlessness or coughing. Contracting a cold, the flu or another respiratory virus aggravates coughing and heavy breathing.

Dust mites are tiny bugs that flourish in dust in warm places, especially bedding, carpets, cushions and other materials that retain moisture, explains Healthline. They consume dead skin cells that people shed. They also excrete waste and leave behind rotting corpses, which are the main reason for dust mite allergy. Inhaling these remnants triggers a person's immune system to produce antibodies to fight off the foreign substances, causing a variety of symptoms. Long-term exposure to dust mites increases the risk of asthma-related chronic inflammation.

While the symptoms of dust mite allergy are similar to the common cold, they generally indicate an allergy if they occur for more than a week, notes Mayo Clinic. Antihistamines, corticosteroids and decongestants are medications that help relieve symptoms.

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