What Is a House Dust Allergy? A dust allergy is where a person reacts to contact with dust, particularly with inhaling the dust. It may lead to sneezing, coughing, watery eyes and exacerbate symptoms of asthma such as wheezing and chest tightness. It is particularly prominent when i a dusty environment or when the dust is made airborne as is the case with sweeping, moving objects, emptying closets and so on. The dust is not the cause of the allergy but instead serves as the trigger (allergen). It is actually the substances in the dust that are the triggering factors and may include house dust mite, coackroach particles, pollen, mold spores and pet hair/fur (dander). When inhaled, the allergen triggers the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in a sensitive person. On subsequent dust exposures, these antibodies bind to mast cells in mucosa in eye conjunctiva, nose, throat, and bronchi, and triggers the release of histamine which results in inflammation. Histamine causes dilation of vessels in mucosa, and secretion of mucus from mucous glands, resulting in mucosal swelling and mucus secretion. Even a small amount of dust in thoroughly cleaned homes may be enough to cause allergy so dust allergies … Continue reading House Dust Allergies to Dust Mites, Cockroaches, Molds, Pollens, Pets