Dust Mites - Asthma Triggers: Asthma
Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School
Dust mites
Dust mites are tiny bugs that are typically found in mattresses, carpets, and upholstered furniture — anywhere dust accumulates. These creatures are invisible to the naked eye, but they leave droppings behind in the dust that trigger a reaction in many people with asthma. It is impossible to completely eliminate dust mites and their droppings from your home, but you can take steps to reduce your exposure, particularly focusing on your bedroom:
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Wash sheets, bedding, and any fabric curtains weekly in hot water.
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Zippered allergen-impermeable wraps can be used to cover your pillows, mattress, and box spring, keeping the allergenic material from rising into the air.
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Install window blinds that can be wiped clean.
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Remove carpeting from the bedroom.
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Put clothes away in closets and drawers.
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Eliminate dust collectors from tables and other surfaces.
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Wet-mop rather than sweep.
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Use special filter bags in your vacuum cleaner or a HEPA (for high-efficiency particulate air) vacuum, which contains a special filter to trap allergens, to prevent dust particles escaping through the exhaust system.
Work triggersThe workplace can be filled with asthma triggers. Certain occupations are particularly difficult, including many jobs in manufacturing, construction, and food processing, because of exposure to dust and chemicals. Leaving that particular line of work is the best option; use of a respirator mask is sometimes possible as an alternative. |
| Last updated: | September 27, 2007 |
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Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.
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