It’s quite common for parents to diagnose dust mite allergies in babies as hay fever as the symptoms overlap. But is it actually a dust allergy or hay fever? Find out the differences below to help you figure it out.
Does baby have a dust mite allergy?
Dust mites are tiny insects that are found in the dust around your home. They are one of the biggest causes of allergies, but the symptoms are very similar to those of hay fever. So how can you tell the difference?Baby dust mite allergy symptoms
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Watery, itchy or red eyes
- Itchy skin
- Itchy nose, mouth or throat
- Coughing
- Alleviated asthma symptoms, e.g. tight chest, difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Lack of sleep – all of the above can affect your baby’s sleep pattern and, inadvertently, yours!
Hay fever vs dust mite allergy in babies
Because the hay fever and baby dust mite allergy symptoms are so similar, we’ve got a few pointers to help you identify the true cause. As an adult who suffers from a runny nose, itchy eyes and tight chest, you might not be too concerned about the cause, just more about how to relieve your symptoms. But understanding the cause can help you alleviate the symptoms more effectively – especially when it comes to babies.- The environment. Do their symptoms occur more when you’re outside or inside? If it’s the former, it’s more likely to be hay fever. Is it the latter? This would indicate that they’re dust might allergy symptoms.
- Time of year. If their symptoms start to appear at the same time each year (e.g. at the beginning of spring and summer), then your baby is more likely allergic to pollen and not dust. If they’re prominent all year round, then it’s more likely to be a dust mite allergy.
- Your activities. Do the symptoms start to worsen when you’re dusting or hoovering the house? Then the cause is probably dust. Likewise, if they start to appear as you mow the lawn, then pollen is the probably the culprit.
How common is dust mite allergy?
Dust mites are one of the most common triggers of allergy and asthma symptoms, so there’s no need to worry if you’re noticing baby dust might allergy symptoms. There are a number of ways to lessen the effects of a dust mite allergy.Can dust mite allergy cause eczema?
Health experts Cochrane found that around a third of eczema sufferers who have tested positive for a dust mite allergy have expressed that their eczema worsens when they’re exposed to dust mites. So be sure to clean regularly, keep creams and ointments nearby, or speak to your paediatrician to get more advice if the symptoms get worse.How to alleviate baby dust mite allergy symptoms
Wondering how to reduce baby dust mite allergy symptoms?- Keep it clean. Dust and vacuum on a regular basis to get rid of as much dust as possible.
- Opt for hard floors. If you choose hard floors over carpets, they will harbour less dust – meaning less cleaning and less allergens lying around.
- Better storage. Where possible, keep cuddly toys and blankets stored away in a cupboard to prevent the build-up of allergens and dust on them.
- Control the temperature. Dust mites thrive in warmer, more moist environments – so it’s best to keep the humidity levels to 20-40% where possible.
- Take allergy medication. Speak to your paediatrician to find the best course of action for your little one.
- Choose hypoallergenic bedding. Specifically designed to reduce the chance of an allergic reaction, hypoallergenic bedding makes it easier for baby (and you!) to sleep soundly at night.
Relieve baby dust might allergy symptoms with Woolroom
Babies spend a lot of time in bed, so making sure their sleep environment is allergen free is a sure-fire way to lessen the symptoms and get more sleep. Our hypoallergenic baby bedding makes it difficult for allergens to survive in bed. Wool is particularly effective when it comes to repelling dust mites and other allergens, as it absorbs moisture and keeps your baby’s bed nice and cool – deterring dust mites, dust mite allergens and fungal spores.So let your little one snooze in comfort with a complete baby bedding bundle from Woolroom. Order online today and experience the benefits first-hand.
