Asthma and Bed Bugs - The Silent Enemies in Your Bed

Bed bugs can wreak havoc on an asthma sufferer. Does the bug in your bed set off your asthma attack? Would you believe there is an army of thousands minute insects in your bed? Yep, that is a fact.

But just who (or what) is it that shares your bed with you? They are called dust mites. The reason you have never seen one is because they are so tiny you need a microscope to see them. In fact, they are so minute that a speck of dust can house over 100 of them.

So why worry about something so small and insignificant? Well, believe it or not, they are a health hazard. This is especially so for an asthma sufferer.

It is not the dust mite itself that is the problem, but its poo! The poo contains a protein that can trigger an asthma attack and when you consider that each mite makes about 200 times its own body weight of this protein rich poo - well; let's just say that is quite a lot of the stuff! And, dust mites are in virtually every house on the planet, churning out more of this stuff.

While dust mites live all over your house, their favourite room is the bedroom, preferably in the bed. They get their name as they live off dust, especially our dead skin cells. To a large extent, skin sheds these cells through the night, accumulating in the bed. (Not a great image to have in mind during romantic moments). If you are prone to asthma, here are some simple steps to help you control this common asthma trigger.

Obviously, it is not possible to make your home completely clear of dust mites, but you can reduce their numbers to a level where they are less likely to produce relevant quantities of protein.

Begin by clearing away anything you store under the bed. This is a breeding ground for dust mites as it is probably not frequently cleaned. Cleaning is the main priority. Use a damp cloth, going into all nooks and crannies, making sure all dust is removed. Do not use a feather duster as it just unsettles dust that will soon settle again, complete with its dust-mite passengers. With a frequently rinsed damp cloth, wipe all surfaces such as wardrobe tops, drape rods, head boards, skirting boards, lamp shades, laundry basket, etc.

Wash the bed linen at least once a week at 60 degrees to kill off the parasites. Dry outside in sunshine when possible. Vacuum the mattress and pillows. Buy an anti-mite mattress cover. Clothes hanging in the wardrobe should have plastic covers. If you have carpets, be aware they harbor dust mites. A powerful vacuum cleaner may be sufficient, but a wooden floor with washable rugs is the better solution.

These simple steps are sensible precautions to reduce the dust mite population. They are a common asthma trigger and may well be one of, if not the major trigger in your case. Try it out and see if it makes a significant difference. Or, look up a website with an alternative solution about how to cure asthma to ensure the dust mites don't bother you any more.