Dust Allergies

What causes dust allergies? continued...

Some people with dust allergies are allergic to the bits of cockroaches found in dust particles. The allergy is due to proteins in cockroach waste, saliva, and the insects' body parts. Cockroach-dust is a common problem in many older homes, particularly in the southern part of the U.S.

If you are allergic to dust mites or cockroaches, you can sneeze, sniffle, or have other allergy symptoms when you breathe in dust containing these particles. People with pet allergies will have symptoms if dust contains pet dander, and those who are allergic to molds will sniffle and sneeze if mold spores hitch a ride on a dust particle.

What are the symptoms of dust allergies?

Symptoms of dust allergies are similar to the symptoms of pollen allergies and can include:

• red, itchy, watery eyes
• runny, itchy, stuffy nose
• sneezing

Some people may also have symptoms of asthma. These symptoms include:

• coughing
• shortness of breath
• wheezing

How would I know if I have a dust allergy?

Symptoms of dust allergies can mimic a cold. However, if the sniffles and sneezing seem to linger, it's a good idea to see a doctor. If you have a dust mite allergy, you could develop a pet allergy or already be allergic to a dog, cat, or other animal.

Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and home and work environments. The doctor can do a skin test to see if you're allergic to specific substances that might be found in dust particles. A blood test may be done to confirm any allergy that shows up on a skin test.

How are dust allergies treated?

There are three basic treatments for dust allergies:

• targeted avoidance
• medications
• allergy shots

Targeted avoidance means you stay away from or limit exposure to the specific substance in dust that is triggering your allergy symptoms. This only works if testing shows you are allergic to something in dust, such as pet dander or dust mites.

Allergy medicines can help control dust allergy symptoms. Your doctor might recommend:

• Antihistamines. These medicines relieve itching, sneezing, and watery eyes. They are available over-the-counter - for example, Benadryl -- or by prescription - for example, Allegra or Clarinex. Some antihistamines come as nasal sprays, like the prescription Astelin, or as eye drops, such as over-the-counter OcuHist.
• Decongestants. Decongestants help relieve nasal congestion and include over-the-counter Sudafed or prescription Allegra-D.
• Topical nasal steroids. These are anti-inflammatory medicines that stop the allergic reaction. They are available by prescription and include Flonase or Nasonex.
• Leukotriene antagonist. These include drugs such as Singulair. These drugs block the effect of chemicals called leukotrienes, which are produced in response to allergies.

Allergy shots may be an option for some people. Ask your doctor if they make sense for you.