Allergy House Dust Mite

Dust mite allergy test is used to detect any allergies caused by dust mites. This test mainly helps in measuring the IgE antibodies in the blood to assess the sensitization to dust mite allergens. This test helps in knowing the immune response to dust mites.

What is dust mite allergy?

Dust mite allergy is the reaction to the dust mites in the environment. Dust mites are very tiny bugs which belong to the spider family. Mostly they are seen in house dust and feed on the dead skin cells that are shed by the people regularly. Dust is commonly found in the corners of our house or in the places that are not cleaned very often. Dust mites survive in all kinds of climate and altitude. Individuals with dust mite allergy will experience symptoms soon after inhaling the dust particles. The symptoms of dust mite allergy include runny or stuffy nose, itching or irritation in the nose, itchy skin, itchy eyes, congestion, facial pain, scratchy throat, watery eyes, reddening of eyes, cough, swollen bluish-colored skin beneath the eyes, difficulty to breathe or sleep, etc. The symptoms of dust mite allergy may worsen if you have asthma. The symptoms of dust mite allergy with asthma are wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, chest tightness, difficulty in speaking, etc. The triggering factors of dust mite allergy are dust, pet hair, fur or feathers, cockroaches, pollen, mold, etc.

Sometimes the allergic reactions can be life-threatening causing narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Very less often dust mite allergy may cause an anaphylactic reaction. Anaphylaxis is a medical condition which leads to facial flushing, itching, shock, sudden fall in blood pressure, constriction of airways, swollen throat, difficulty to breathe, etc.

Why this test is performed?

This test may be recommended to you if you experience certain symptoms like runny or stuffy nose, itching or irritation in the nose, itchy skin, itchy eyes, congestion, facial pain, scratchy throat, watery eyes, reddening of eyes, cough, swollen bluish-colored skin beneath the eyes, difficulty to breathe or sleep, etc. This test is also recommended to you if you are recently diagnosed with asthma because dust mite allergy might worsen asthma. This test may also be recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment if you are diagnosed already.

The normal reference range may vary depending on gender, age, health history, etc.

If your test results show high levels of IgE antibodies than the given reference range, it may indicate that the person is most likely to have an allergy.

If your test results are lower than the reference range, it may indicate that the allergy is absent in the individual.

If you get abnormal test results, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend other tests depending on your test results.