There are many species of dust mites infested in and around the houses worldwide. The two most common house dust mites are Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farina. These mites are the sources of multiple potent allergens that trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and atopic dermatitis. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is the major environmental allergen in southeast Asia because of the humid and warm environment is suitable for its growth. These mites multiply in carpets, bedding and upholstered furniture in a hot and humid atmosphere. The allergens are digestive enzymes and the scales of the mites. Scales of the mites are found in mattresses, upholstered furniture and carpets. The clinical picture with slowly aggravating complaints leads quite often to a delayed diagnosis, which is accidently done on the occasion of a wider spectrum of allergy skin testing. The beginning of a medical therapy with topical steroids as nasal spray or inhalation leads to a fast relief of the complaints. Covering encasings on mattresses, pillow, and duvets reduces the possibility of chronic contact with mite allergens as well as the weekly changing the bed linen. Another option of therapy is the specific immunotherapy.
References:
Huang FL, Liao EC, Yu SJ. House dust mite allergy: Its innate immune response and immunotherapy. Immunobiology. 2018;223(3):300-2.
Roche N, Chinet TC, Huchon GJ. Allergic and nonallergic interactions between house dust mite allergens and airway mucosa. Eur Respir J. 1997;10(3):719-26.
Yu S-J, Liao E-C, Tsai J-J. House dust mite allergy: environment evaluation and disease prevention. Asia Pac Allergy. 2014;4(4):241-52.
