House dust allergy is one of the most common allergic disorders. In many ways, this is facilitated by the prevalence of the allergens themselves. After all, even with the most thorough cleaning, it is impossible to completely get rid of dust particles. Accumulated in large quantities, it naturally enters the lungs, provoking an attack of sneezing.
But this is a natural process that allows us to clear our lungs of foreign matter. Directly, an allergic reaction is a complex complex of manifestations of sensitivity in relation to certain components of house dust. And it does not occur as a result of clogging of the respiratory tract. The reason for its development are allergens, which accumulate in abundance on the surface of the dust. Often, these are the smallest mites, secretions left by cockroaches or mold spores.
Penetrating together with the inhaled air, these substances enter the body. If a person has sensitivity to them, then his immune cells begin to produce antibodies. The task of antibodies is to set off a cascade of immune response that causes allergy symptoms. It is sometimes very difficult to establish the specific allergen substance contained in house dust. This is due to the fact that small particles collect on their surface a lot of different elements, each of which can serve as a source of allergic manifestations.
However, dust allergies have the most common culprit. They are served by a special type of tick, which is so small that the dusty surface serves as its abode. Like every living organism, it has a certain set of special proteins that provoke an allergic reaction in sensitive people.
What does a dust allergy look like?
Allergy that occurs in response to the penetration of house dust has specific symptoms characteristic of respiratory allergies. They affect organs such as the nose, eyes, and respiratory system. In some cases, there may be a deterioration in general well-being.
Symptoms:
- manifestations of intense sneezing, immediately after contact with the allergen;
- redness of the eyes, their irritation and itching;
- dry allergic cough;
- intense lacrimation;
- allergic rhinitis containing a large amount of clear liquid;
- the nose is stuffed up, as a result of which breathing is disturbed;
- manifestations of bronchial asthma;
- irritation of the nasal passages, itching and discomfort.
To relieve the symptoms that are caused by the penetration of house dust in an allergic person, special preparations, presented both in the form of tablets, and in the form of drops and sprays, help. But this is only a symptomatic effect. It is much better to prevent its accumulation in order to prevent the manifestation of allergy symptoms.
In most cases, it is not difficult to trace the relationship between the penetration of house dust into the body and the development of symptoms of the disease. The first symptoms of the disease, upon contact with the allergen, are sneezing, tearing and redness of the eyes.
Diagnosis
In case of dust allergy, special diagnostic measures may be involved in order to confirm the diagnosis. They can be carried out both with the help of exposure to an allergen, and on the basis of blood diagnostics. During the diagnosis, not house dust is used, but the allergens that it contains. They are made in the form of standardized solutions, which allows you to achieve the minimum concentration necessary to trace the sensitivity of the body.
For skin testing, house dust allergens are injected into the skin. This procedure is carried out both by applying a special impregnated material, and with the help of various medical devices (scalpel, syringe). If a skin reaction occurs at the site of allergen introduction, represented by rashes, redness or swelling, then this confirms the diagnosis and allows you to find out the specific allergen.
Diagnosis of immunity sensitivity can also be carried out by a provocative method. To do this, allergen solutions are instilled into the patient's eyes or nose, or they are administered using special inhalations. This method, in addition to the sensitivity of the body, allows you to track the very characteristics of the symptomatic picture.
Blood tests are given in order to assess the degree of sensitivity of the body to the components of house dust based on the level of antibodies. To carry out this method of diagnosis, the patient is taken venous blood. Further, this material is affected by various allergenic substances. An increase in the level of antibodies means that the patient's body is sensitized to its allergens. This technique is used in case of contraindications in relation to contact diagnostic methods.
Allergy medications
Antihistamines
If the patient is allergic to house dust, first of all, drugs with antihistamine effects are prescribed to combat its symptoms. Histamine is a hormone secreted under the influence of antibodies. By acting on sensitive tissues of the larynx, eyes, nose, lungs and bronchi, it provokes allergy symptoms (sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, redness of the eyes, etc.). Antihistamines eliminate the sensitivity of these tissues, which helps prevent and eliminate allergic symptoms.
Antihistamines used to treat allergies are conventionally divided into sedative and non-sedative subgroups. This is due to the fact that most of the first medicinal antihistamines have an inhibitory effect on the nervous system. This leads to the fact that the patient loses the ability to concentrate, mental and physical activity decreases, and he constantly wants to sleep. More modern drugs are devoid of these side effects.
- Suprastin is an antihistamine drug, which, although it has a sedative effect, is not as high as other drugs in this group. Quickly relieves allergy symptoms, does not tend to accumulate in tissues and organs. Perhaps this is the best drug of the first antihistamines, which has a low cost and little activity in relation to side effects.
- Fenistil is a drug that practically does not cause drowsiness. It has an effective effect on any allergic manifestations, including respiratory ones, that occur when you are allergic to house dust. The effect of taking the drug lasts for a long time, so there is no need for frequent use.
- Claritin is perhaps one of the most effective drugs for patients suffering from sensitivity to this type of allergy. Effectively relieves symptoms of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. It goes well with almost all medicines.
Azelsatin is an antihistamine drug that is used in the form of drops to be applied directly to the affected areas of the mucous membrane of the eyes and nose.
If antihistamines do not have the desired effect on the symptoms of allergies that occur when in contact with house dust, then special drops and nasal sprays containing corticosteroids are used. Corticosteroid hormones have the ability to suppress immune-allergic activity, but have a high frequency of side effects. They try to appoint only as a last resort and for a short time.
How to protect yourself from allergies?
To protect yourself from the manifestation of allergies, it is necessary to minimize the amount of dust in the room. This can be done with the help of special events that everyone can do. Even if after the penetration of this allergen you do not experience severe consequences of the disease, it is necessary to take immediate action. The fact is that this disease tends to progress with a further increase in symptoms.
These measures include:
- Eliminate places where dust accumulates
First things first, you need to get rid of household items that can absorb house dust. These include: carpets, fabric elements of furniture, various tulle and curtains. Eliminating these items will significantly reduce the concentration of house dust. If the sunlight interferes with you, hang the blinds, and the carpet is perfectly replaced with linoleum. You are quite capable of creating comfortable living conditions that will not cause the accumulation of allergens.
- Special storage for household items
Dishes and books are best stored in a closet that has tight-closing doors. Thanks to this, you can freely use them, without the occurrence of allergic reactions.
- Frequent and proper cleaning
Cleaning of the premises must be carried out exclusively with a wet method and as often as possible. Use disposable respirators or thick gauze bandages, as well as special safety goggles. After all, the eyes and respiratory system most often suffer from house dust.
- Use air purifiers
Significantly reduce the concentration of house dust in the room, special air purifiers with various kinds of filtration systems. Although somewhat worse, air conditioners cope with this task. But contact with the filters when replacing them must be avoided. Ask the people who live with you about it.
- Quit smoking
Inhaled tobacco smoke increases the respiratory manifestations of allergies. Therefore, refrain from passive or active smoking to prevent the aggravation of the symptoms of an already existing disease.
