House Dust Mite-Induced Allergic Rhinitis
House dust mites (HDM) live on common household places like mattresses, furniture, carpets or beddings. These dust mites are a common cause of allergic rhinitis (AR). AR is caused by inflammation of the inner lining of the nose, triggered by the body’s allergic reaction to inhaled air containing substances such as dust, pollen, dust mites, animal dander, or mold. AR is a widespread problem in the world and affects a large chunk of the population.
Effects of AR on Physical and Mental Health
Allergic Rhinitis can affect your daily life adversely.
The nasal symptoms like a runny or stuffed nose can impact your sleeping pattern leading to fatigue and a decrease in your efficiency at work. The constant headaches and sleep disturbances may also affect your mental health leading to depression or a reduction in your cognitive abilities. Physical symptoms of AR such as coughing or sneezing decrease your concentration and bring changes to your social life. You need to consult your doctor immediately if you feel that your symptoms are becoming hard to manage and have started affecting your mental and physical well being. With the help of a doctor, you can come out with a plan to effectively manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
Early diagnosis and treatment become very important as it will enable you to manage your symptoms before they start impacting your mental, physical or social life. The doctor may ask you questions regarding your medical history or how and when the symptoms are induced so that they can give you an effective treatment plan for your condition. The treatment method of house dust mite-induced AR involves simple preventive measures for getting rid of dust mites from the house. These may include regular changing of mattresses, pillow covers or vacuuming the house. Immunotherapy is used for treating the allergy when symptom-based treatments are not effective in the long run. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is used to treat dust mite-induced allergic rhinitis by helping the body build tolerance to dust mites, thereby reducing its allergic response.
So we have seen how house dust mite-induced rhinitis is impacting people’s life. We also explored how early diagnosis and treatment can help manage this condition and improve quality of life. Try keeping your house clean and consult a doctor if your symptoms start hampering your life for the treatment of this allergic disorder.
