Dust Mite Allergies FACT or FICTION?
Now before you dismiss the health risks from exposure to the house dust mite as scaremongering, take just five minutes to scan through the information we have provided here, then consider what affect this might have on you and your family.
House dust mite allergens trigger and aggravate respiratory and skin conditions such as asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis and eczema. There are disconcerting effects even in mild allergy cases which can lead to snoring, sleep deprivation and sneezing, but can be easily treated.
Dust Mites Allergens & Children
There are several studies that link exposure to dust mite allergens to the increase in childhood asthma. Infant "cot death" has several casues but again links have been made with the dust mite allergen in medical studies. Children upto the age of 18 are at risk from prolonged exposure which can cause asthma. There is also evidence that mothers can expose their unborn children to these allergens, a study reported in the Lancet* medical journal in Feb 2000, showed that dust mite allergens were present in the umbilical cord.
FACTS - we have provided some links down the left hand side of this page, these are articles which have featured in the news, medical research papers, relevent sites and so on.
The Growing Dust Mite Population
Our house building standards have increased over the last 20-25 years, with most new houses being built with central heating and double glazing as standard. These changes have led to our homes being more "efficient" in their energy comsumption, making them warmer and more humid than ever before. So What? Consider that warmth and humidity are key to the household dust mite, they prolifererate in these conditions, just the conditions you create when sleeping in your bed. The improvements in building standards has created an almost perfect breeding environment for these tiny invaders.
Asthma Sufferers Pandemic
There has been a huge increase in the number of diagnosed asthma sufferers, in studies between 1982 and 1994 the overall number of asthma sufferers increased by 84%, 72% of which were children under the age of 18. There is significant and growing evidence that asthma in children can be triggered by prolonged exposure to dust mite allergens, with increased risks for the under three's.
Stirling Howieson, of Strathclyde University's Centre for Environmental Design and Research, said he "..is convinced that extreme levels of house dust mite are to blame for the pandemic."
Allergic Rhinitis - Permanent Cold?
A common symptom of dust mite allergy is allergic rhinitis - blocked, runny nose and sore eyes. As dust mites are more active in the warmer months, many affected by this misdiagnose their condition as hay fever.
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis - 'Hay Fever'
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, or "hay fever" affects over 20% of the population and is set to DOUBLE in the next 10 years. Most common in early spring, the symptoms of hay fever develop as a reaction to allergens (allergy-causing substances) in the air, most notably to pollens in the early spring. Other examples of airborne allergens include mold spores, dust (dust mite), and animal dander.
Health Risks
The tiny dust mite causes lots of health and quality of life issues which we cant simply ignore. The examples given here are but the tip of the iceberg there are many studies suggesting far reaching implications such as depression, caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of dust mite allergens.
Can I Treat Mites?
You'll be pleased to hear that there are a range of treatments and products you can use to control the dust mite populations in your mattress and soft furnishings. You can have a professional sanitise the mattress for you or you can buy the same products many of the leading mattress treatment companies use.
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