Dust is a common allergen that affects many people year-round. It can produce symptoms in people with allergies, asthma or both. Conditions closely linked to dust allergies include:

• Allergic rhinitis. Commonly called hay fever, allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the inner lining of the nose that occurs when an allergic individual encounters an airborne allergen such as pollen, mold, dust mites or animal dander. Usually inhaled, these triggers generate allergy symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, and itchy and runny eyes.
  
  

  

• Asthma. A chronic inflammation of the body’s bronchial (airway) tissues that afflicts millions of people in the United States. Dust mite allergies can trigger asthma attacks in some individuals. People with asthma experience shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing and wheezing.
  
  

  

• Allergic conjunctivitis. An allergic reaction of the eye to an allergen such as pollen, mold or dander. It involves an inflammation of the clear membrane that covers the white of the eye (conjunctiva) and can result in itching, burning, and redness in the eye. Swollen eyelids, watery eyes and eye discharge are also symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.
  
  

  
  

• Allergic bronchitis. An allergic inflammation in the lower airway of the respiratory system. It is a type of asthma, an inflammatory condition of the airways. Allergic bronchitis is also linked with allergic rhinitis. This occurs through the nature of the respiratory system, which is a continuum from the nose to the lungs.
  
  
• Sinusitis. An inflammation of the sinus cavities in the face caused by infection, allergies or irritants. Symptoms include runny nose, headache, sensitivity in the teeth, nasal congestion and facial swelling.