Bed Bugs & Dust Mites: Symptoms, Identification & Relief

For something you can't see, bed mites, also known as dust mites, can cause a lot of trouble. These tiny bugs cause big allergy flare-ups. Fortunately, you can help get rid of bugs, and what they leave behind, by cleaning up and taking some household precautions. Medication can ease remaining problems.

Identification

• Bed mites are tiny insects---viewable only through a microscope---that eat dead skin cells. They get a great source of these cells from humans and pets.

Allergies

• Bed mites don't carry diseases, but people can be allergic to their droppings. Symptoms include watery eyes, running nose, sneezing, itching and asthma attacks.

Areas

• Bed mites tend to congregate where there's a lot of skin---couches, rugs, mattresses and pillows. Treating these areas can help ease allergies.

Prevention

• You can help prevent allergy flare-ups by getting the mites where they live---wash your sheets and blankets often and vacuum rugs. Putting a mattress cover on a mattress can help keep droppings away from you.

Treatment

• Antihistamines and nasal sprays can help ease symptoms of bed mite allergies. Bronchodilators can help people with asthma.