strange dust allergy

[kazak]

hello, im 20 year old male and have had a dust allergy since childhood, however over the last two years it has got dramatically worse, now whenever im exposed to a very small amount of dust(vaccuming,looking for items in basement, reading an old library book), i become sick for three or four days after exposure, headaches, nausea, skin sensivity(particularly around face/cheek), hot flushes, neck shivers, cold chills, and altered sleep pattern. In  the past if i inhaled dust i would sneeze and feel better, but now i dont even get the urge to sneeze and these symptoms listed above last for days on end after inhaling and make me feel unwell, it seems crazy but i cant research certain books in college library because they make me sick or if my mom asks me to get something for her in attic i normally make excuses beacuse if i tell her it will make me sick she thinks im insane , its the same with doctors with or anybody i talk to dont really understand these symptoms im getting.

     does anyone else ever get these type of symptoms after small dust exposure which last for this long?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

How are you?

From your symptoms, it seems that you are allergic to dust mites. These are microscopic organisms, which are related to spiders, live in many homes. Too small to see with the naked eye, dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments — eating dead skin cells and nesting in dust-collecting bedding, fabric, carpet and furnishings.

Treatment includes avoidance of allergen. To reduce dust mites in your home, remove drapes, feather pillows, upholstered furniture, non-washable comforters and soft toys. Replace carpets with linoleum or wood. Vacuum soft furniture and curtains as well as floor Wash carpets and upholstery with special cleaners, such as benzyl benzoate or tannic acid spray. Wash all bedding in hot water (hotter than 130°F) every 7 to 10 days. Don't use mattress pads. Cover mattress and pillows with plastic covers. Lower the humidity in your home.

You can use antihistaminics like benadryl,zyrtec, decongestants and corticosteroids. In severe cases, Immunotherapy is advised.
Pls consult an immunologist for confirming the diagnosis and starting the treatment.

Take care and God bless.