The Role Of The Dust Mite in Contributing to Allergy symptoms

The house dust mite (sometimes called by allergists as HDM) is truly a multicultural visitor in human habitation. Dust mites feed on organic detritus that include flakes of shed human skin and flourish in the stable surroundings of dwellings.

House dustmites absolutely are a common cause of asthma and allergic symptoms worldwide. The mite’s gut contains a potent digestive enzyme (notably proteases) that persists in their faeces and is a major inducer of allergy symptoms in particular wheezing. The mites exoskeletons can likewise lead to allergies.

The European house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) and also the American house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae) are two differing species, but are not necessarily limited to Europe or North America; yet another species Euroglyphus maynei also occurs extensively.

The house dust mite survives in all climates, even at high altitude. House dust mites thrive inside the indoor environment made available by homes, specially in bedrooms and kitchens. Dustmites survive well in mattresses, carpets, furniture and bedding, with figures around 188 animals/g dust.

In dry climates, house dust mites survive and reproduce easily in bedding (especially in pillows), deriving moisture out of the humidity generated by human respiring, sweating and saliva.

House dust mites devour minute particles of organic matter. Like all acari, house dust mites have a simple gut; there is no stomach but rather diverticulae, which are sacs or pouches that divert from hollow organs. Like many decomposer animals, they select food that’s been pre-decomposed by fungi.

Allergens made by house dust mites are among the most common triggers of asthma. Research has shown the mean attributable fraction of adult asthma caused by atopic sensitization was 30% and 18% for sensitization to dustmites. Taken into consideration this might mean as many as 1.2 billion people may have some sort of chronic sensitization to dust mites.

It is generally believed that the accrued detritus from dust mites can add substantially to the weight of mattresses and pillows. While it is true that the faecal matter of dust mites will increase after a while, there is no scientific evidence for these claims.
Allergy and asthma victims are also often advised to avoid feather pillows due to the assumed increased presence of the house dust mite allergen . The reverse, however, is true.

A 1996 study from the British Medical Journal has revealed that polyester fibre pillows contained more than 8 times the total weight of Der p I and 3.57 times more micrograms of Der p I per gram of fine dust than feather pillows.