17 Home Remedies To Treat Dust Allergy: Causes, Symptoms, And Prevention Tips

If you are troubled by dust allergy, fret not. We got you covered! You can easily treat dust allergies at home. While pollen, food choices, weather, humidity, dust, and pollution can all lead to some allergic reactions, dust allergy often seems to get mistaken for frequent episodes of common cold and low immunity. To help you deal with dust allergy effectively, we have shortlisted some of the simplest home remedies that can help manage the symptoms. Read on.

What Causes Dust Allergy?

A dust mite allergy, also called house dust allergy, can be caused by a number of factors. Generally, allergens produced by dust mites cause irritation, leading to allergic reactions like redness, swelling, and itching. Though dust mites are the main culprit, there can be other causes, such as:

• Pollen – Pollen is a fine powdery substance that consists of pollen grains. It is a natural part of trees, flowers, and grasses. Different people may be allergic to different types of pollen.
• Cockroaches – Cockroach droppings can cause dust allergy in some individuals when inhaled (1). These tiny particles often combine with household dust to cause allergy.
• Mold – Mold is a kind of fungus that has spores that are capable of floating in the air. These spores can also cause dust allergy (1).
• Yeast – Yeast is a cousin of mold, and you can have an overgrowth of yeast called Candida albicans in your intestines due to the overuse of antibiotic medication. Yeast can also colonize your nasal mucous membranes and sinuses, making them irritated and susceptible to dust allergies (1).
• Animal Hair, Fur, And Feathers – Pets are another cause of dust allergy (2). Their skin flakes (called dander), urine, or saliva are potential allergens, especially when combined with dust.

There are many ways you can diagnose if you have a dust allergy or not. Learn them in the section below.

Trivia

Dust mites thrive in warm places with 75%-80% humidity levels. They cannot survive in dry regions with less than 50% humidity.

Diagnosis

• Medical History: Healthcare providers begin by discussing the symptoms, their duration, and potential triggers.
• Physical Examination: A physical examination helps identify visible signs of the allergy, such as nasal congestion or skin reactions.
• Allergy Testing: To confirm a dust mite allergy, skin-prick tests or blood tests may be conducted. These tests help identify specific allergens that trigger your symptoms.
• Environmental Assessment: Assessing your home environment for potential dust sources is crucial. Your healthcare provider might inquire about your living conditions and habits.
• Tracking Allergen: Your doctor may want you to keep a diary of your symptoms and possible triggers to help diagnose and treat your dust allergy.
• Elimination Tests: Your doctor may suggest an elimination diet or environmental control measures to determine if your symptoms improve when exposed to fewer allergens.
• Challenges or Provocation Tests: In rare cases, a controlled exposure to suspected allergens under medical supervision may be used to diagnose specific allergies.

It is important to talk to a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. While home testing kits are available, they may not always give reliable results.

Dust allergy is often accompanied by non-stop sneezing and cold-like symptoms. The signs and symptoms are discussed below.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Dust Allergy?

Dust mite allergy symptoms occur when your body, specifically the immune system, reacts to things that are normally harmless, called allergens, in this case tiny dust mites. When you encounter an allergen, your body produces antibodies to fight it. These antibodies attach to certain cells that release particular chemicals, like histamine, if you come into contact with the allergen again. This release triggers an allergic reaction, leading to symptoms like sneezing or itchy eyes (3).

The most common symptoms of dust allergy are (3):

• A runny nose
• Sneezing and sniffling
• Itchy and red eyes
• Itching
• Coughing and wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in the chest

Charlie Maginness, a YouTuber, talked about his struggle with dust allergy in his video. He said, “I used to be sneezing all the time, I used to have really watery and runny eyes, and my immune system was just sort of just always fighting (i).” He further added that he felt sick and tired most of the time.

While it is difficult to get rid of dust mites altogether, you can try some easy treatments that will help you tackle the allergens effectively. Listed below are a few home remedies for dust allergy.

Home Remedies For Dust Allergy

1. Essential Oils
2. Local Honey
3. Humidifier
4. Air Filter
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
6. Turmeric
7. Aloe Vera
8. Neti Pot
9. Vitamins
10. Peppermint Tea
11. Nettle Leaf
12. Green Tea
13. Ghee
14. Wasabi
15. Homeopathic Remedies
16. Houseplants
17. Herbal Tea

1. Essential Oils

(a) Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil was shown to have high activity against house dust mites.

Its constituents act as ecofriendly biodegradable agents for the control of house dust mites (4).

You Will Need

3-4 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

What You Have To Do

Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a diffuser and inhale its vapors.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1-2 times daily.

(B) Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesicⁱ  A type of pain reliever or painkilling drug used to relieve different degrees of pain ranging from headaches to joint pain. properties

(5), (6). It can also help you sleep better with its sedative nature (7). This may help manage the symptoms of dust allergy. 

You Will Need

2-3 drops of lavender essential oil

What You Have To Do

Put a few drops of lavender oil in your diffuser and inhale its vapors.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once daily. 

2. Local Honey

Local and raw honey often contains small amounts of local pollen, which is believed to help with dust allergies.

Touted as one of the common home remedies for allergies, consuming local honey regularly is thought to help the body build immunity against local allergens.

This is mainly useful for those who have seasonal allergies as regular consumption of small amounts of pollen via raw honey may make an individual less sensitive to it over time (8). 

You Will Need

2 teaspoons of raw honey

What You Have To Do

Consume two teaspoons of raw honey.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times daily. 

3. Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are devices that pull moisture out of the air, drying it out, thereby keeping mold triggers at bay

(9). Dust allergy is often caused by dust mites and molds, both of which thrive in humid conditions. Hence, a dehumidifier is your best bet to relieve dust allergy and its symptoms. 

4. Air Filter

Air filters also play a major role in filtering and purifying the air around you. Studies show how these filters, especially those available today with advanced technologies, can improve indoor air quality (10). The finer the sieve of the filter, the smaller the particles it can trap. Using air filters can also help ease allergic respiratory diseases (11). 

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

The anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar, along with its expectorantⁱ  A type of cough medicine that helps get rid of phlegm in the air passageways and clears congestion. nature, can help in treating dust allergy and the accompanying cold-like symptoms. ACV also has antimicrobial properties that can prevent aggravation of the allergy (12). It is a natural substitute for the store-bought antihistamines used for treating dust allergies. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove this effect. 

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
• 1 glass of warm water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and mix well.
2. You can also add a little honey for flavor.
3. Consume this solution.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this solution 2-3 times daily. 

6. Turmeric

This golden spice is one of the best natural remedies for treating dust allergy. Using turmeric for allergies can be particularly effective due to its various properties.  Turmeric contains an active constituent called curcumin that acts as a natural decongestant. It also acts as a natural antihistamine, i.e., it reduces the release of histamines in the body, which can otherwise trigger allergy (13). Additionally, turmeric also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can prevent your allergy from turning into an infection (14).

You Will Need

• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
• 1 cup of milk
• A pinch of pepper
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Add half a teaspoon of turmeric to a cup of milk.
2. Bring this just short of boiling in a saucepan. The boiled milk will curdle.
3. Add honey and allow the milk to cool.
4. Drink this mixture.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this at least 2 times daily.

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties (15), (16). It can help treat the swelling and pain caused by dust allergies. However, there are no scientific studies supporting its effect on dust allergy.

You Will Need

1/4 cup of aloe vera juice

What You Have To Do

Drink one-fourth cup of aloe vera juice.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times daily. 

8. Neti Pot

Saline nasal sprays are an age-old method of relieving symptoms of nasal congestion and irritation. If you are wondering how to get rid of a stuffy nose, using a neti pot is highly effective. A neti pot not only rinses trapped dust and mold but also reduces congestion and helps control the inflammation and swelling caused due to the dust allergy (17).

You Will Need

• A neti pot
• Saltwater

What You Have To Do

1. Fill your neti pot with saltwater. The ratio is ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt to two cups of warm water. Adding ¼ teaspoon of baking soda per cup can keep the salt from drying the mucous membranes.
2. Bend over a washbasin with one ear parallel to the sink and insert the neti pot spout into one nostril. Pour half the solution into one nostril.
3. The saltwater will automatically flow from the other nostril.
4. Insert the spout in the other nostril and repeat the process.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2-3 times daily.

9. Vitamins

Vitamin C

is widely known for its antioxidant potential. Vitamin C supplementation can help treat dust and seasonal allergies (18), (19).  This is because it not only prevents the release of histamines but also helps speed up their breakdown. An increase in the levels of histamines is known to cause extreme allergic reactions.

A diet rich in citrus fruits and leafy green vegetables will increase your daily intake of vitamin C. You can also opt for additional supplements at a moderate dosage of 500 mg to 1,000 mg per day after consulting your doctor. 

10. Peppermint Tea

Rat studies show that peppermint has anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties (20). It contains a volatile oil called menthol that rises to the sinuses and acts as a natural decongestant, providing immediate relief from sneezing, wheezing, and a runny nose (21). This can help in relieving the symptoms of dust allergy.

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves
• 1 cup of hot water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Add a teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves to a cup of hot water and allow it to steep for 10 minutes.
2. Strain the tea and allow it to cool a bit.
3. Add honey to it.
4. Drink it up.

How Often You Should Do This

You can drink peppermint tea 2 times daily. 

11. Nettle Leaf Tea

Nettle leaves

are derived from the stinging nettle plant. This plant has natural anti-histamine properties that reduce the release of the allergy-causing histamines within your body (22). This, in turn, reduces the symptoms of dust allergy. The anti-inflammatory properties of this plant help reduce the inflammation and swelling of the airways that occurs as a result of the allergy (23). It has been a go-to solution for dust allergies for decades.

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of dried nettle leaves
• 1 cup of water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Boil a teaspoon of dried nettle leaves with a cup of water in a saucepan.
2. Simmer for 5 minutes and strain the tea.
3. Allow it to cool for some time. Add a little honey and consume it.

How Often You Should Do This

You can drink nettle tea 2-3 times daily.

12. Green Tea

Green tea has been found to help treat a wide range of allergies. It is abundant in a catechinⁱ  A naturally occurring chemical compound abundantly found in tea, cocoa, and berry plants rich in antioxidant properties. called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has antioxidant properties and helps treat dust allergy and its symptoms (24), (25).

You Will Need

• 1 green tea bag
• 1 cup of hot water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Steep a green tea bag in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes.
2. Make sure that your tea has cooled a little before adding some honey as required.
3. Consume it.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink green tea 3-4 times daily. 

13. Ghee

Pure ghee can help warm your nasal passage and relieve constant sneezing. Hence, it is widely used in treating dust allergy and its symptoms. This is mainly due to its anti-inflammatory properties (26). However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to establish the efficacy of ghee in treating dust allergies. 

You Will Need

• 1/4 teaspoon of ghee
• Jaggery (cane sugar), optional

What You Have To Do

1. If you are sneezing uncontrollably due to an allergy, suck on one-fourth teaspoon of ghee for immediate relief.
2. You can also mix ghee with a little jaggery for better results.

How Often You Should Do This

You can consume this whenever you get sudden allergy attacks. 

14. Wasabi

Wasabi is also known as Japanese horseradish. It contains a compound called allyl isothiocyanate, which acts as a decongestant and stimulates mucous flow, thereby helping to ease the symptoms of dust allergy. You can also consume the common horseradish if you are unable to get hold of wasabi (27).

Note: Wasabi is very strong. Hence, start with an amount the size of a pearl.

You Will Need

1/4 teaspoon of grated wasabi

What You Have To Do

1. Consume grated wasabi whenever you experience allergy symptoms.
2. Alternatively, you can also consume wasabi paste.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this whenever you experience an allergy attack. 

15. Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathy has developed many remedies for allergies. The top five are Arsenic alb, Sulphur, Natrum mur, Sabadilla, and Allium cepa. There are also combination homeopathic remedies. However, it is important to consult a homeopathic practitioner before trying out any of these. 

16. House Plants

You may also consider keeping a few allergy-friendly plants inside your home to combat dust allergy. Plants like dracaena can be quite useful in trapping allergens in their leaves. Other plants like bamboo and lady palm help keep insects at bay and also act as air purifiers and air filters (28), (29).

17. Herbal Tea

This includes tea from herbs like tulsi, licoriceⁱ  A herb whose root bears a sweet aromatic flavor and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. , ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom. Studies show that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger can help modulate the immune response that is associated with asthma and other related allergic conditions (30). However, ginger may interact with certain drugs, including Coumadin and aspirin. Hence, exercise caution. Moreover, herbal teas are also considered one of the best home remedies for asthma. However, medical advice can’t be negated.

Cinnamon contains polyphenolsⁱ  Naturally occurring compounds are found in fruits, vegetables, and beverages with antioxidant properties. that possess antiasthmatic and antiallergic potential (31). Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties (32).

Quick Tip

Add apples, berries, broccoli, onions, and grapes to your diet. They contain quercetin, a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties (33).

Medicines For Dust Allergy

Your doctor might prescribe antihistamines to relieve sneezing and runny nose and nasal corticosteroids to combat inflammation. Decongestants are given to shrink stuffy nasal passages. However, though antihistamines can help lessen allergy symptoms, they can worsen the next attack. Corticosteroids can make your mucous membranes thinner and make things worse in the long run. Therefore, take these medicines only under medical surveillance.

In addition to these remedies, you can also follow the tips mentioned below to reduce your exposure to indoor dust.

Preventive Tips

• Get rid of wall to wall carpeting, especially in your bedroom.
• Try and keep your pets outside the bedroom and, if possible, outside your house.
• Keep your indoors humidity-free.
• Use mite-proof linens on your beds and pillows.
• Use a high-efficiency filter in your air conditioning unit.
• If your house is invaded by cockroaches, schedule regular visits by the pest control services.
• Keep your house clean and dust-free by vacuuming. You can use a central vacuum or vacuum with a HEPAⁱ  High-efficiency particulate absorbing filter refers to the efficiency standard that air filters must meet. filter for this purpose.
• Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to reduce airborne allergens in your home.
• Avoidance of direct exposure to fog and cold weather (especially in the morning) can help. You may want to cover your head if you need to go out.
• Avoid cold drinks, ice creams, fried, and reheated foods.
• Eat seasonal and local fruits and vegetables.

Infographic: Treat Your Dust Allergy With These 5 DIY Home Remedies

Dust allergy can cause discomfort and hinder your daily activities. While most may warrant a medical treatment, certain home remedies can also offer additional relief. In the following infographic, we have listed some remedies you can use to start feeling better. Check it out!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How to stop sneezing due to dust allergy?

If you cannot stop sneezing due to a dust allergy, the first thing you need to do is get rid of or avoid whatever is causing it. You can also change your furnace, avoid keeping pets indoors, wash all the linens, and vacuum and keep your indoors dust-free to avoid sneezing from dust allergy.
Try an experiment. Stay away from your house for a few days. If your allergies clear and then come back when you return to your house, you know where the problem lies.

Can you kill dust mites with Lysol?

Yes, Lysol can kill all the germs in your house, including dust mites. This is due to its disinfectant properties. Lysol is also quite helpful in killing other dust allergy-causing particles like molds and mildew (32).

Can dust allergies be cured?

Dust allergies can’t be completely cured, but they can be managed. You can reduce symptoms with treatments like medications and allergy shots, and by avoiding allergens as much as possible.

What can I be allergic to in my house?

As discussed earlier, you can be allergic to a lot of particles like dust mites, cockroaches, pollen, or molds. Some individuals may also be allergic to animal hair, fur, or feathers and must avoid keeping pets.

What are seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergy, also called seasonal allergic rhinitis, is mostly known as hay fever. When the immune system of an individual overreacts to an allergen, it can lead to hay fever. The most common cause of such an allergic reaction is the pollen from weeds and trees. Although it is possible to experience seasonal allergies all year round, the condition is notably less prevalent during winters.

How long does dust allergy last?

Dust allergy symptoms may last anywhere between a day and a week or as long as one is exposed to the allergen.

How do you test for dust allergy?

You can test for dust allergy by undergoing an allergy skin test. The healthcare provider will prick the skin with dust mite extract and observe for 15 minutes to notice any signs of an allergic reaction, such as redness, itchiness, and hives.

Illustration: Home Remedies To Treat Dust Allergy: Causes Symptoms And Prevention Tips

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Check out the informative video below and discover effective ways to alleviate dust allergies. Gain valuable tips on minimizing exposure, effectively managing symptoms, and finding much-needed relief for a more comfortable life.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Vd. Naveen SharmaBAMS, Ayurveda Specialist

 

Dr. Naveen Sharma is a renowned Ayurveda specialist with an experience of 10 years. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery(B. A. M. S) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, in 2007.

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Shaheen NaserHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling.

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Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Dipti SharmaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Dipti is a health and wellness writer specializing in holistic health practices. She graduated from Maharishi Dayanand University, Haryana, and has worked closely with Ayurvedic doctors, which has given her a deep understanding of traditional remedies and their applications.

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