Dust mite allergy

[Darth Vader]

If you have any experience with dust mite allergies please comment. My wife was just diagnosed with this. Her symptoms are hives, itching, etc. Seems odd that all of a sudden she would develop this severe allergy to dust mites. I'm trying to do some research before I rip out the carpeting and buy a new mattress so if anyone has any info I'd be grateful.

[Maine-iac]

It's fairly common to suddenly develop allergies as an adult. Mine weren't to dust mites (pet dander and nickel) but they came on quite quickly.

A good friend has been diagnosed with the dust mite thing. She's pretty much been told, and believes, that her carpets have to go. She's just trying to decide whether she is better off selling her house and building a new one sans carpet or having all her floors re-done. (There are other issues with the house and this is just the "straw". She wouldn't sell just to avoid ripping up the carpet.) In the meantime, she has to vacuum almost daily. It's a pain for her.

[Single Mom]

I'm allergic to dust mites. My allergist recommended trying other options before replacing the carpet and mattresses in our house. He feels that's a last resort, but it is necessary in some cases. Luckily for me, they've worked. First, I'm getting injections weekly to build up my tolerance, and I'm taking Allegra. You can buy special coverings for your mattresses and pillows. They somehow "starve" the dustmites. I replaced my nice, thick comforter with a thin quilt and wash it often in hot water. I also got a new, better vacuum cleaner. I wish your wife all the best and recommend that she talk to her allergist at length about options.

[GA Peach]

I'm allergic to dust as well. My allergist recommended that I get weekly shots to get my system immuned to what I was allergic to. I did it for a while, but b/c I was in school and working full time, it was a real pain. It takes generally 2 or more years for you system to actually build and immunity - so the allergist told me. Not sure if I buy into it, but if your wife is willing to give it a shot.

Something to get for your bedding are allergy covers. You can buy them probably just about anywhere now, maybe even at Target. I bought a cover for both mattress and boxs prings, as well as pillow covers. They're supposed to help prevent the mites from staying alive or living in your bedding. I was told to wash my bed linens twice a week in hot water - can't say I actually do this!

I also take Nasalcrom (it's over the counter) and you could tell her to take an antihistamine too - whatever her doc recommends.

Best of luck to her and I DO feel her pain!

[The Waiting Hurts]

Originally Posted by Single Mom

I'm allergic to dust mites. My allergist recommended trying other options before replacing the carpet and mattresses in our house. He feels that's a last resort, but it is necessary in some cases... I also got a new, better vacuum cleaner.

I was just about to ask this. There are vacuums that are very powerful to clean mattresses, correct?

[J.T.]

One here who is allergic to dust mites. (Of course, I never had allergies until my mid-20's, but then became allergic to everything). I have a house with almost full carpeting. It can be done. I am on injection therapy (which does help if you can make the time for it). Also helps to vacuum frequently, which used to be every other day and is now once or twice a week (see injection therapy).

The allergist should have given some other ideas besides no carpeting. If he/she doesn't, find another allergist. Many will work with you to not give up the things you love. (I like carpeting and cats, but I compromised on no carpeting in certain spots where I'm likely to have trouble and no cats in the house.)

[llcooljabe]

What about that SHarper Image Ionic Breeze air cleaner thing? It claims to rid teh air of such things as dust mites, pet dander, doesn't it?

And what about vacuums with Hepa (sp?) filters? (do I even have that right?)