How is house dust mite allergy treated?

Dust mites live in household dust, especially in bedding, mattresses, carpets and upholstered furniture. Exposure can trigger a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes or an itchy throat. Treatment aims to reduce contact with the trigger and calm the allergic inflammation in the nose and eyes.

A clinician may confirm the trigger with [Allergy Testing](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/allergy-testing/) before recommending a plan. The result can help distinguish house dust mite allergy from other causes of similar symptoms.

Use mattress and pillow encasements, wash bedding regularly at a hot temperature suitable for the fabric, and keep bedrooms as free from dust and clutter as possible. Vacuuming with suitable filtration and controlling indoor humidity may also reduce mite exposure.

[Allergy Medication](/treatments/medical-management/allergy-medication/) may include an antihistamine or a nasal spray, depending on your symptoms and health history. Use treatments as directed, particularly nasal sprays, which may need regular use rather than occasional use. If symptoms remain troublesome, ask whether specialist immunotherapy is appropriate.

Arrange a medical review if symptoms persist despite sensible household measures, disturb sleep, or repeatedly require medication. Seek urgent help for swelling of the lips or tongue, severe breathing difficulty, faintness, or rapidly worsening symptoms.

Could testing confirm whether house dust mites are the trigger? Which medicine suits my symptoms and other medicines? How should I use a nasal spray? Would immunotherapy be worth discussing if avoidance measures are not enough?