Our readers write:
Do you by any chance know of any web forums or google groups specifically about dust mite allergies or similar?
Would appreciate any help.
Regards,
Gavin
Unfortunately, I have never seen a forum that was specifically and only for dust mite allergies. I did check Google groups as well as Yahoo groups and both showed that there are groups to discuss allergies - but not specific to dust mites. In addition, most of these groups did not appear to have an active community - which I’m presuming you’d be interested in. Of the groups I saw, low numbers and low numbers of postings were the rule.
However, there are organizations out there that will answer questions that you might have. One of these is the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) and you can submit a question to them on this web page.
You also have to keep in mind that most of the sites out there that want to tell you about dust mites also want to sell you a solution. This isn’t necessarily bad, but it does mean that the information may have a bias. Consider this when reading!
If you are looking for more medical information, try the Mayo Clinic site. There is a lot here on the allergy itself, testing, diagnosis and treatments (including non-drug).
Tips you can use now for reducing dust mite allergy symptoms include:
1. Allergen-proof bed covers.
2. Weekly washing of all bedding in the hottest water tolerated by each item.
3. Keep humidity in your home low.
4. Avoid wool or down bedcovers that can provide a nice place for dustmites to live.
5. Any stuffed toys on the bed should be washable - and need to be washed on the same schedule as bedding.
6. Banish dust from the home with frequent cleaning. This can help reduce the amount of dust mite allergen around. Do this by vacuuming and dusting - but dust with a damp or oiled cloth so that dust is actually picked up and trapped.
7. Reduce clutter to keep dust at bay.
8. Replace carpet with “hard surface” floors like tile or wood.
