A physician will compile a medical history and a list of symptoms in trying to diagnose dust allergies. In addition, an allergy skin test may be performed. This test for allergies involves introducing a small amount of an allergen to the patient’s skin to determine if the person is allergic to that allergen. If a rash or small bump develops, the patient is most likely allergic to that substance.

Alternatively, a physician may order a blood allergy test. These tests look for the presence of allergy-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the bloodstream. Blood tests are often used for patients who are not good candidates for skin testing, such as infants or individuals with skin disorders such as eczema. The most commonly used blood tests for allergy related conditions include the radioallergosorbent test (RAST).

The best way to reduce or eliminate allergic reactions is to avoid the allergen that triggers symptoms. There are many steps that can be taken to reduce exposure to dust inside the home. However, complete avoidance is very difficult, since dust is everywhere in the environment. Other treatments may be necessary for those with moderate to severe dust allergies.  

There are many over-the-counter and prescription medications that can treat the symptoms associated with dust allergies (e.g., runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, skin rashes, difficulty breathing) including:

• Antihistamines (prevent the release of symptom-causing chemicals into the body)
  
  
• Decongestants (reduce nasal and chest congestion)
  
  
• Corticosteroids and NSAIDs (reduce inflammation)
  
  
• Bronchodilators (open breathing passages)
  
  
• Mast cell stabilizers (prevent the release of symptom-causing chemicals into the body)

If medication treatment is unsuccessful, a physician may recommend allergy shots (immunotherapy). Allergy shots are a form of allergy and asthma treatment in which low doses of an allergen are injected into a patient over a period of time. The goal is to increase the patient’s tolerance to the allergen while reducing symptoms brought on by an allergic reaction.