House dust mite allergy
Blocked nose when you wake up, better by lunchtime, and no pollen season to blame? House dust mites are the most common indoor allergy trigger in Europe. Our test checks for IgE sensitisation to 12 proteins from the two main dust mite species, as part of 300 allergens and allergen components, so "probably dust" becomes a result.
- Group
- Mites
- Season
- All year, often worse in autumn and winter when windows stay closed and heating stirs up dust
- Also known as
- dust mite allergy, dust allergy, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Der p 1
Where you meet it
- Mattresses, pillows and duvets
- Upholstered sofas, carpets and curtains
- Soft toys
- Warm, humid rooms, especially bedrooms
What dust mites are
Dust mites are tiny relatives of spiders, too small to see. They feed on skin flakes and thrive in warm, humid places, which makes beds their favourite home.
The two species that matter most in Europe are Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae. The allergen people react to is mainly in their droppings: proteins called Der p 1 and Der f 1, among others. These particles are relatively heavy, so they settle quickly and get stirred up when you make the bed or shake a pillow.
What people commonly report
Dust mite symptoms tend to be steady rather than seasonal: a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, worst in the morning or at night. Some people with eczema notice their skin flares, and people with asthma may notice night-time cough or wheeze.
Because dust mite symptoms are always there, many people stop noticing them as allergy and call it a constant cold.
- Blocked nose on waking
- Sneezing when making the bed or vacuuming
- Itchy eyes indoors
- Night-time cough
Dust mite and shellfish
Dust mites contain tropomyosin, a muscle protein that is very similar to the tropomyosin in shrimp, prawns and other shellfish. Some people sensitised to dust mite tropomyosin also show IgE to shrimp, and a smaller number react to eating it.
Most people with dust mite sensitisation eat shellfish without any problem. If you have had symptoms after shellfish, raise it with a doctor.
How the test checks dust mite
Your finger-prick sample is tested for IgE to house dust mite proteins as part of 300 allergens and allergen components. Storage mites, cat, dog, cockroach and indoor moulds sit on the same panel, which matters because indoor symptoms often have more than one source.
A positive result shows sensitisation, not a confirmed allergy. Each value gets a class from Negative to Very high. A doctor can explain what the pattern means and which steps, if any, make sense for you.
- European house dust mite (D. pteronyssinus): Der p 1, Der p 2, Der p 5, Der p 7, Der p 10 (tropomyosin), Der p 20, Der p 21, Der p 23
- American house dust mite (D. farinae): Der f 1, Der f 2, Der f 15, Der f 18
Known cross-reactions
- Shrimp and other shellfish
- Dust mite and shrimp share a similar protein, tropomyosin. Some people sensitised to dust mite show IgE to shrimp; fewer react to eating it.
- Storage mites
- Mites found in grain, flour and hay. They are related to house dust mites, and some people are sensitised to both.
- Cockroach
- Also contains tropomyosin and can show up alongside dust mite sensitisation.
300 allergens. One test.
A finger-prick sample at home, sent by post. A detailed lab report typically 5 days after the lab receives your sample, and our plain-English guide to reading it. €300, €1 per allergen.
Questions
Is dust allergy the same as dust mite allergy?
Mostly. House dust is a mix of fibres, skin, pollen, pet dander and mould, but dust mite droppings are usually the main allergen in it. Testing for mites, pets and moulds separately shows which parts of the dust your blood reacts to.
Why is it worse in the morning?
You spend hours with your face close to a pillow and mattress, where mites are most common. Making the bed stirs up their droppings too. That is a typical pattern, not a diagnosis; a test and a doctor help confirm the cause.
Does a dust mite result mean I will react to shrimp?
Not necessarily. The two share a protein called tropomyosin, so some people show IgE to both. Most people with dust mite sensitisation eat shellfish without trouble. If you have reacted to shellfish, see a doctor.
Can I test for dust mite at any time of year?
Yes. Dust mites are around all year, and IgE is measurable all year too.