House Dust Mite Allergy

House dust mites (HDM) are the most common cause of asthma and allergies worldwide with up to 20% of the population sensitive to them. Wherever there is dust and humans, there’ll be dust mites, so they are everywhere in our homes. They are microscopic creatures that thrive in warm moist places including our beds, furnishings and carpets, and feed off dead skin cells and mould. Contrary to popular belief, the mites themselves are not generally the problem; it’s a protein known as Der P1 in their faeces that some people are allergic to. An allergy to house dust mites may result in itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, dry persistent cough, wheezing and eczema. Symptoms are generally worse at night and upon waking and, unlike pollens which occur seasonally, they tend to occur all year round.