MedicineNet.com
About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
November 22, 2009
MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Health and Living Picture Image Collection MedTerms medical dictionary
Font Size
A
A
A

Health Tip: Getting Rid of Dust Mites

(HealthDay News) -- No matter how clean your home is, tiny insects called dust mites may still live in mattresses, carpets, furniture and pillows.

Many people are allergic to dust mites, which can trigger symptoms such as congestion, runny and itchy nose, and sneezing. Mites also can worsen asthma symptoms.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to minimize the misery of dust mites:

  • Each week, wash all bed linens in hot water. This includes blankets, sheets and pillows.
  • Carpets can harbor dust mites, so opt for wood, linoleum or tile flooring in the bedroom.
  • Vacuum carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture each week.
  • Dust your home at least once weekly.
  • Buy washable stuffed animals for your children, and wash the stuffed animals frequently.
  • Talk with your doctor about whether it's a good idea to take an antihistamine and/or decongestant to help manage allergy symptoms.

-- Diana Kohnle

Copyright © 2009 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.


Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend




Women's Health

Find out what women really need.


Are you Depressed? Take the Quiz

Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain












Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Health & Living | News & Views | Medical Dictionary

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Cancer | Diabetes | Digestion | Healthy Kids | Heart | Men's Health | Mental Health | Women's Health | More...

Publications:

ePublications (PDFs) | XML News via RSS | Audio Podcasts | Email Newsletters

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map | WebMD® | Medscape® | eMedicine® | eMedicineHealth® | RxList®

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies to the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

©1996-2009 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.