Mites: what they are, symptoms and how to eliminate them from environments

Most people have heard of mites, which are quickly associated with symptoms of allergic conditions such as sneezing, coughing, secretion, itching and nasal obstruction, among other symptoms that affect a person’s quality of life.

For those who suffer, for example, with allergic rhinitis and asthma, dust mites are, in fact, great villains. However, not everyone knows what mites are, why they are so harmful to health, and also how it is possible to avoid their presence inside the house, office or other environment. Understand below how mites act, where they are found and what are the main measures to combat them.

what are mites

Larissa Macedo de Camargo (CRM-DF 16425), otorhinolaryngologist, member of the Brazilian Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery, explains that mites are beings of the arachnid class, smaller than one millimeter, with an incredible ability to explore numerous habitats. “They are adapted to be distributed in the waters, in the soil, as well as parasites in plants and other animals”, she says.

The otorhinolaryngologist highlights that domestic mites have a great capacity for replication, in enormous concentration in small environments. “They survive well on mattresses, rugs, pillows, sofas, plush, damp places and feed on human and animal skin flakes. It is believed that in one square meter up to 100,000 mites can be concentrated,” she says.

Mites are harmful to health because, as Larissa explains, in contact with the upper airway (nasal cavity, oral cavity or eyes), they trigger an immune response stimulating the release of substances, such as histamine. “Such substances cause the classic symptoms of allergic conditions, such as sneezing, nasal obstruction, clear secretion (runny nose), nasal itching, coughing, as well as skin symptoms, such as allergic dermatitis”, explains the otorhinolaryngologist.

types of mites

Larissa recalls that the diversity is enormous, reaching almost 50 thousand species. Among which can be highlighted:

• Dermatophagoides farinae: mites considered the main causes of dermatitis and asthma, present in bedding, mattresses, pillows, carpets, rugs and stuffed animals.
• Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus: species also known to be present in rugs, mattresses, pillows, bedding and carpet; It can also cause asthma and dermatitis.
• Blomia Tropicalis: mites present especially in house dust.
• Lepidoglyphus Destructor: can be found in household dust as well as infesting food and stored products.
• Sarcoptes scabiei: the female of this species causes human scabies and also scabies in animals.

As mites are totally harmful to health and quality of life, it is essential to pay attention to combat/prevention measures.

How to get rid of mites

Larissa highlights that the focus to reduce mites is to optimize care with cleaning. Check below some specific tips for the main environments in which mites are found.

Living room

Having a vacuum cleaner at hand is interesting, to frequently remove dust from the living room and other areas of the house.

The otolaryngologist Larissa explains that avoiding eating on sofas, performing waterproofing treatments and using antiallergic covers are measures that reduce the burden of mites. “Daily exposure to the sun is important, which reduces concentration,” she says.

“In plants, it is important to observe yellowish spots, brown spots; pruning is often important. Strengthening fertilization and positioning the plants in the sun can help reduce the effects of mites”, adds Larissa.

bedroom

Larissa explains that the ideal is to regularly change pillows, vacuum mattresses, use anti-allergic covers on mattresses and pillows. “Avoiding eating on mattresses is a protective measure against dust mites,” she says.

According to the doctor, the ideal thing is that the cleaning of the bed linen is carried out weekly. “But in periods of greater heat, when we sweat more, the frequency can be every three days”, she guides.

Kitchen

Important sources of mites are dishcloths and tablecloths, which must be changed more than once a month, as directed by Larissa.

“Lockers should be sanitized once a week. You still need to be careful with the dishes, never accumulate dirty dishes. Special attention is given to kitchen sponges, an important focus of mites, which must be changed weekly”, emphasizes the doctor.

WC

The main care is in relation to towels, which are sources of mites. “They should be washed in hot water frequently. Ideally, this should be done every three uses, always being careful to extend them (never leave them lying around)”, guides Larissa.

“The hygiene of the toilet and the tooth and soap holder is also important in this regard”, adds the otolaryngologist.

Office

Larissa explains that both the office and the other rooms in the house must always be airy and clean. “Opening the windows, letting the sun in, making the environment as airy as possible, in addition to reducing the use of rugs and carpets, are essential tips”, she says.

It is worth mentioning that mites can affect pets, especially cats. According to Larissa, one of the main manifestations in cats is otitis externa, which manifests as dark brown discharge, itching and shaking of the head. “The treatment consists of topical medications under the guidance of the veterinarian”, she comments.

Symptoms of the presence of mites

But, how to identify when mites are affecting your health? Larissa comments that the main symptoms will be presented according to the affected site, including:

• Rhinitis: with the presence of symptoms such as nasal itching, runny nose, nasal obstruction, watery eyes, sneezing, impaired sleep quality, reduced nasal breathing capacity, reduced quality of life.
• Allergic asthma: pulmonary inflammatory process characterized by coughing, difficulty breathing and a sensation of lung wheezing.
• Atopic dermatitis: cutaneous manifestations characterized by itching, redness and skin lesions.
• Conjunctivitis: may trigger a burning sensation, sensitivity to light, swelling of the eyelids, important redness.
• Scabies: Caused by the female of the species Sarcoptes scabiepenetrates the skin, releases the eggs, triggering a local allergic reaction, which causes itching, traumatic injuries by the act of scratching.

It is interesting to know that, in animals, the species Sarcoptes scabie causes sarcoptic mange. But, points out Larissa, it is worth noting that dogs and cats do not transmit scabies, the contagion occurs only between humans, contact with people and contaminated objects.

Now you know why mites are harmful to health. But, by adopting simple measures, it is possible to prevent them from proliferating indoors or in other environments. Enjoy and clarify your doubts about allergic rhinitis.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.