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New Delhi, September 28, 2024 — Dust mite exposure in children can trigger severe allergic reactions, potentially leading to chronic conditions like asthma and allergic rhinitis, according to Dr. Neeraj Gupta, a Senior Allergy Specialist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi. Speaking to IANS, Dr. Gupta highlighted the increasing prevalence of allergies linked to dust mites, microscopic organisms found in household dust.
“Dust mites are a leading cause of allergies worldwide,” Dr. Gupta explained. “These tiny creatures, slightly bigger than the diameter of a human hair, thrive in warm and humid environments, making India particularly susceptible to a rapid increase in dust mite-related allergic reactions.”
India’s humid climate creates the ideal conditions for dust mite growth, contributing to the rising number of allergic cases. According to Dr. Gupta, nearly 35 million people in India suffer from asthma, with children disproportionately affected. An estimated 4-20% of children and 2.4% of adults are diagnosed with asthma, while allergic rhinitis impacts approximately 22% of adolescents in the country.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Dr. Gupta outlined the hallmark signs of dust mite allergies, which include:
- Frequent sneezing often accompanied by a runny or stuffy nose.
- Chronic nasal congestion leading to breathing difficulties, particularly at night.
- Persistent dry cough, more pronounced in the mornings and evenings.
- Episodes of breathlessness, especially during physical activity, often accompanied by a wheezing sound.
These symptoms are triggered by allergens from dust mite droppings and decomposed body parts, which can cause inflammation in the nasal passages and airways.
Managing Dust Mite Allergies
While immunotherapy has proven effective in treating dust mite allergies, Dr. Gupta emphasized that reducing exposure is key to managing symptoms. “Taking preventive measures in daily life can significantly alleviate the burden of these allergies,” he said.
Dr. Gupta recommended several strategies to minimize dust mite exposure:
- Use of allergen-proof covers for mattresses, pillows, and duvets.
- Regular washing of bed linens in hot water to kill dust mites.
- Reducing the use of carpets and upholstered furniture, which can harbor dust mites.
- Installation of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to clean indoor air.
- Keeping indoor humidity levels below 50% to inhibit dust mite growth.
- Ensuring adequate sunlight and cross-ventilation in living spaces.
By adopting these preventive steps and seeking timely medical help, individuals can significantly improve their quality of life, according to Dr. Gupta.
“Early recognition of symptoms, along with appropriate diagnostic tools and targeted treatments like immunotherapy, can help manage and even alleviate the impact of these allergies,” Dr. Gupta concluded, encouraging families to take proactive steps in protecting their children from dust mite exposure.
With asthma and allergic rhinitis affecting millions across India, Dr. Gupta’s advice is timely as parents and healthcare providers seek to combat the rising health challenges posed by dust mites and related allergens.
