It can be somewhat alarming when you go to your allergist and she says that you have a severe dust mite allergy.
Or even more disconcerting is when your child, your most precious gift you have ever been given, is diagnosed with severe dust mite allergy.
It is especially alarming when you realize that house dust mites are microscopic, insect-like creatures related to the tick and spider family.
They feed primarily on scales from human skin and are found primarily in places inhabited by people.
With this news you know they are in your house and you know they are feeding on your dead skin - how absolutely disgusting is that? In most homes,high levelsof dust mites can befound in mattresses, pillows, bed linens, carpets, draperies, upholstered furniture, and stuffed toys.
If you have dust mites in your home, which pretty much everybody does, your symptoms will vary and will be common to other typical pollen allergies.
However, you will most likely have some of the following symptoms:

1. Asthma
2. Itchy, watery eyes
3. Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
4. Persistent stuffy nose or ears
5. Repeated sneezing upon awakening
6. Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
7. Improvement of symptoms when outside the house
8. Sneezing
9. Runny nose

OK, so you have determined that you and/or your family has dust mite allergies.
These creatures are roaming through your home and you don't even see them.
Here are some tips on how to substantially reduce your exposure to them and keep your family safe:

1. Use pillows that are stuffed with either rubber, kapok, or other synthetic materials;
2. Cover the pillows, the mattress, and the box springs with plastic or rubberized casings;
3. Avoid bulky bedspreads and comforters and wash all the bedding, including the pillows, every week in hot water;
4. Do not use vaporizers and humidifiers but do run a dehumidifier.
   The extra moisture in the air helps capture these little buggers;
5. Don't let clothes lies around on the floor or on the bed;
6. Don't allow pets in the bedrooms and don't have stuffed animals;
7. If possible, avoid carpeting in the house or living areas.
   

In addition to these tips there are a number of products on the market today that will aid in getting rid of dust mites and hence reduce your allergic reactions to them.
I have found personally that a proactive plan of the above tips combined with dust mite eliminating products works the best.