An allergy is a condition in which a person's body is hypersensitive to the substance, causing the body to react in an uncomfortable way after exposure to the substance. Dust can be defined as minute particles of dirt and matter that are light enough to be a fine powder. People who are allergic to dust may experience symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing.
The body is wired to defend itself against invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances, called antigens. The body produces antibodies to attack antigens. An antigen that can cause an allergic reaction is called an allergen. In this case the dust is an allergen. People who are allergic to dust produce IeG antibodies to attack the dust, causing an allergic reaction.
Dust is not just bits of dirt. The particles can include other matter, such as dust mites, dead dust mites, and fecal material from dust mites. Dust mites, which are the most common trigger of indoor dust allergies, are part of the same family as spiders and chiggers. The mites live for about 30 days and produce waste products up to about 20 times a day. A female may lay eggs resulting in 20 to 30 new mites during her lifetime.
Another bug that can make a person allergic to dust is the cockroach. Cockroaches do not have to be seen as a problem. Their saliva, body parts, and secretions can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Molds, such as Aspergillus and Penicillium, can grow both indoors and outdoors. Like cockroaches, these molds don't necessarily have to be visible to cause an allergic reaction to dust. Molds reproduce through spores, which are light enough to fly. These spores can grow on the surfaces they land on, producing more mold.
People can also be allergic to dust due to animals. Animals shed hair and skin particles, as well as produce urine and saliva. Cats and dogs are the most common culprits of animal allergies. In fact, cat allergens, which can stick to clothing, are the most common reason people are allergic to dust in schools. Not only cats and dogs can cause allergic reactions. Any warm-blooded mammalian allergen in the dust can cause allergic reactions, including guinea pig, hamster and mouse allergens.
A doctor can determine the exact cause of an allergy. The doctor may perform a physical exam and ask questions about the individual's medical history. In addition, the doctor may request a skin prick test or blood tests to determine the cause of the allergic reactions.