An Indian perspective on dust mites

Abstract

Dust mites are the most important group of indoor allergens. The dust mites have been classified as house dust mites and storage mites, however, with recent knowledge the different dust mite species are now labelled as “domestic mites.” The dust mites have been isolated at numerous Indian locations and their sensitization in Indian population has also been documented. In view of high sensitization in India, it is important to recognize the role of dust mites and their allergens in the precipitation of allergic diseases including allergic rhinitis and asthma. Allergies to dust mites can be confirmed by a classical clinical history of perennial, early morning and indoor symptoms substantiated by a positive skin prick test to these allergens. Further management of allergies to mites is possible using appropriate allergen avoidance measures and allergen immunotherapy. Multifaceted avoidance measures can be used, but, allergen avoidance by the means of an allergen impermeable bed encasings has the best evidence and is recommended in different guidelines. Allergen immunotherapy, the disease-modifying modality, has been proven to efficacious for house dust mite allergies.