It's not the dust that's to blame, but the mites

These tiny roommates are the ones who secretly nest in our homes and make it difficult for us to live and breathe. The arachnids are invisible to the naked eye. They feel particularly at home in warm and humid climates, preferring to colonize mattresses, pillows, comforters, but also sofas and cuddly toys.

From May to October, they multiply rapidly, so that up to 10 million mites can be lurking in our beds. The little animals need us as a source of food. They live off the flakes of skin that we shed every day. And that's up to 2 grams! The mite excrement contains protein-containing irritants, so-called allergens, which cause allergic symptoms in sensitive people.

Doctors refer to this as a house dust or house dust mite allergy. Allergies are false reactions of the body's own immune system. For some unknown reason, our immune system classifies harmless substances as harmful. If we come into contact with them again, the allergic reactions are triggered. House dust allergies are inhaled allergies because the allergens reach the nasal mucous membranes and bronchial tubes through breathing. Animal hair allergy and pollen allergy are also included.

House dust allergy symptoms worst in the morning

While those affected by animal hair allergies suffer from a blocked nose and an irritating cough all day long, the symptoms of house dust allergies are worst in the morning and decrease as the day progresses. Those affected can be completely free of symptoms if they are in mite-free regions, for example by the sea or in the high mountains. House dust allergy differs from pollen allergy in that symptoms occur all year round.

Remedies for house dust mites

If you are allergic to dust mites, you should get rid of the allergens. This can be done by airing the room frequently, vacuuming every two days and avoiding curtains and open shelves. An effective way to get the bed mite-free is to use a spray solution containing the herbal mahalin extract from the niem tree (e.g. Milbopax, available from pharmacies). This is used to spray both sides of mattresses and co. every six months. The mahalin extract makes dander inedible for mites. They starve to death, no more droppings are produced, the allergenic load is reduced and house dust allergy sufferers can finally breathe freely again!

These are the 5 most common allergies

1 Pollen

Around 12 million Germans suffer from hay fever and are allergic to pollen. Sneezing and rhinitis occur seasonally, usually in spring.

2 House dust

The second most common type of allergy in Germany with 4.5 million sufferers. Sneezing, coughing, red eyes - occurring all year round, usually in the morning.

3 Animal hair

Pets are the third most common cause of allergies. Protein components in saliva are to blame. Symptoms all year round. Often only related to one animal species.

4 Foods

Approx. 3.7 million Germans cannot tolerate certain foods (milk, wheat, nuts). Occurs as a cross-reaction with pollen allergy.

5 Insect venom

Insect bites are life-threatening for around 2.8 million Germans. Typical: severe swelling, shortness of breath. Emergency treatment with adrenaline.