Mélanie Gomez // Photo credit: Pixabay
For the past few weeks, you may have had a runny nose, itchy eyes or itchy throat. What if you were allergic to dust mites? Autumn is the favorite season of these little microscopic critters, which nestle and proliferate everywhere in our homes. Dust mites cause 40% of respiratory allergies, just after pollen. How can we get rid of it at home and limit the damage to our health?
Every fall, it’s the same scenario for Benjamin, allergic since childhood, even if they don’t see them, he knows it, the mites are back. “Generally, I am very tired, my eyes are itchy. I start to have a bit of breathing problems when I make an effort, for example going up the stairs,” he says.
Some simple tips
In autumn, everything comes together to boost the proliferation of these parasites. They love the humidity and warmth of our interiors. So what should you do to get rid of dust mites? These are simple gestures. “You have to ventilate your house well for at least ten minutes, twice a day. And when you ventilate, the bed must be unmade and cool. You must shake out the sheets well. You must wash them regularly at 60 degrees. Ideally all weeks and also wash blankets and pillows a little less often during the year,” explains Dr. Madeleine Epstein, allergist.
Another piece of advice for those allergic to dust mites: limit the number of textiles such as wall hangings, rugs, etc. In short, anything that can retain dust. Same refrain for children’s stuffed animals, real nests for mites. To get rid of them, the trick is to put them in the freezer for 24 hours.