Dust Mites: The Hidden Allergen

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[x]   Transcript: You may think you're allergic to dust, but for most people it's actually a microscopic insect, known as a DUST MITE. Dust mites live IN the dust and ON your bedding and furniture. THEY are what cause the sneezing and watery eyes, asthma and even eczema. Dust mites, discovered in 1964, are tiny members of the spider family, about a third of a millimeter in length. Fortunately, dust mites don't bite, spread disease, or live on humans. But they DO eat skin - dead skin -and their waste is what causes allergic reactions. According to researchers, the mite can live for up to 30 days and drops about 20 fecal pellets per day. So just think of how many pellets are kicked up into the air while vacuuming, bed making, or just walking along a carpet.Dust mites nestle into mattresses, sheets and blankets, feather pillows and stuffed animals that collect our sloughed off skin cells and secretions. They also thrive anywhere that the humidity is above 55 percent, making most coastal areas ideal habitats.About 10 percent of the population is allergic to dust mites. If that includes you or someone in your family, you can limit exposure by: Wrapping mattresses, box springs, and pillows with mite-proof covers, Swapping upholstered furniture for wooden, leather, or vinyl, Using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, And keeping stuffed toys washed, and off the beds. To learn more about allergies and their causes, check out other videos on this site.

[x]   Bio: Yudy K. Persaud M.D., M.P.H., is assistant professor of allergy/immunology & pediatrics at Albert Einstein School of Medicine in New York City. He is in private practice and president of Allergy and Asthma Family Care Allergy and Asthma Family Care A member of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, he is double board certified in Allergy/Immunology and pediatrics.