House dust mite allergy is one of the most common causes of sneezing, blocked nose, itchy eyes, chronic cough and allergic asthma, especially in warm, humid cities like Surat. Many patients follow every cleaning tip, take medicines for years, and still keep getting symptoms. For them, dust mite immunotherapy can offer long-term relief. In this video, Dr. Dipak Viradia, Chest Physician & Intensivist, explains how it works.

Why dust mite allergy is hard to control. You can keep a pet out of the bedroom or avoid a food, but dust mites live in every home: in mattresses, pillows, bedding, sofas, curtains and carpets. Covers, washing and cleaning reduce them, but they can never be removed completely. That is why many dust mite allergy patients need ongoing treatment, and why immunotherapy is particularly useful for this allergy.

What is dust mite immunotherapy? After allergy testing confirms dust mite sensitivity, carefully increasing doses of purified dust mite allergen are given over time. This gradually trains the immune system to tolerate dust mites, so exposure causes fewer and milder symptoms.

It can be given as:

• Injections under the skin, given at the clinic
• Under-the-tongue (sublingual) tablets or drops, depending on suitability and availability

Who can benefit?

• People with confirmed dust mite allergy on skin prick or blood testing
• Those with allergic rhinitis (sneezing, blocked or runny nose) or eye allergy that continues despite medicines and home measures
• People with dust-mite-triggered allergic asthma that is well controlled
• Patients who need allergy medicines for most of the year
• Children (usually from about 5 years) with dust mite allergy, where it may also help reduce the risk of developing asthma later

What results to expect. Improvement is gradual, with most patients noticing benefit within the first several months. Treatment usually continues for 3 to 5 years, and many patients enjoy lasting relief after the course is completed, with fewer symptoms and less need for medicines.

Continue the basics. Immunotherapy works best alongside dust mite control at home, such as dust-mite-proof covers, weekly hot washing of bedding, and damp cleaning, and alongside your prescribed medicines until your doctor advises otherwise.

Safety. Given under medical supervision, immunotherapy is safe. Mild itching or swelling at the injection site, or mild mouth itching with sublingual treatment, is common. Serious reactions are rare, which is why injections are given at the clinic with observation afterwards. It may not be suitable for people with uncontrolled asthma or certain other conditions, so your doctor will assess you first.

Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com