House dust allergy is common even in clean homes. House dust is a major cause of year-round runny or stuffy nose, itchy, watery eyes and sneezing for allergy sufferers. Dust can also make people with asthma experience wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
Why does house dust cause allergic reactions?
      House dust is a mixture of many substances. Its content varies from home to home, depending on the type of furniture, building materials, presence of pets, moisture and other factors. A speck of dust may contain fabric fibers, human skin particles, animal dander, microscopic creatures called mites, bacteria, parts of cockroaches, mold spores, food particles and other debris. Of these, animal dander, house dust mites, and cockroaches are the most common culprits. A person may be allergic to one or more of these substances, and if exposed to the dust, will have an allergic reaction.

Is dust allergy a sign of a dirty house?
      A dirty house can make house dust allergy problem worse. Normal housekeeping procedures may not be enough to get rid of house dust allergy symptoms. This is because many of the substances in dust cannot be removed by normal cleaning procedures. For example, no matter how vigorously you dust or vacuum, you will not reduce the number of dust mites present deep within carpeting, pillows, and mattresses. Vigorous cleaning methods can put more dust into the air making symptoms worse.

Does house dust contain cockroaches?
      As unappealing as it seems, some houses do have dust that contains parts of cockroaches. This is most common in older, multifamily housing, where complete extermination of cockroaches is very difficult. Allergic individuals, particularly those with asthma, will tend to have increased symptoms when they go into such houses. Cockroaches require food and moisture to survive, so eliminating sources of each can help reduce exposure.

How does one avoid house dust?
      Environmental control of house dust exposure is best done if you know what allergens present in your home's dust are causing the problem. Dust mites can be difficult to remove completely from your home. However, you can follow certain anti-mite procedures that will reduce mite populations and your exposure to them, thereby reducing your symptoms.

Pay Special Attention to Bedrooms
      On an average, people spend one-third of their lives in the bedroom. Studies have shown that, of allhe rooms in the home, the bedroom often contains the most dust.
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