With my patients,  I may mention dust mites when discussing allergens. Dust mites are tiny bugs that live off of pet and human skin cells. It is their waste that is a major trigger of allergies and asthma.

Dust mites live in warm, humid areas filled with dust like bed pillows, mattresses, carpets and soft furniture. . . sound like everything you have in a bedroom, huh?

How to get rid of them?

• Put a tightly woven, dust-proof cover over your mattress.
• Wash your sheets and blankets in very hot water (130 to 140 degree water) every week.
• Wash your pillow weekly or put a dust-proof cover on it.
• Vacuum carpets and soft furniture weekly.
• Use aDEhumidifier in your home to keep the humidity low.
• (Some air filters also reduce dust mites in the air).

If those measures don’t work, what will? Antihistamines or decongestants may help. You may also need asthma medication or inhalers, especially if on exam you have wheezing or shortness of air.

Hope this helps.