What are dust mites allergies?
A. Dust mite allergy is a response to a microscopic organism that lives in the dust that is found in all dwellings and workplaces. Dust mite allergens, perhaps the most common cause of perennial allergic rhinitis, usually produce symptoms similar to pollen allergy and can also trigger asthma. Mites are a member of the arachnid family, which includes spiders, chiggers, and ticks. Dust mites are 8-legged spider-like creatures that are about 1/3 of a millimeter in length. There are two species belonging to the genus Dermatophagoides, which are commonly found in North America. Both species feed on human skin, pollen, fungi, bacteria, and animal dander. The food consumption and development of the mites increases with higher relative humidities (70 to 80%) and common indoor temperatures (75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit). Dust mites and their droppings are known allergens. It is a protein in the mites and their feces to which people develop an allergic response. When these droppings come in conta
