A dust allergy (or dust mite allergy) is an allergic reaction to tiny bugs that live in the dust in your house.

About 20 million Americans are allergic to these bugs. When you're one of these people, you may feel as if you have an endless cold or even asthma.

Dust mites are related to ticks and spiders. But they’re too small to see with the naked eye. They eat your dead skin cells in dust and in places like your bedding, furniture, and carpet.

Medication can help, and you can take simple steps to keep the dust mites away.

Dust allergy symptoms are similar to those of pollen allergies:

Allergies happen when your immune system reacts to something like pollen or, in this case, dust mites. When your immune system sees something as harmful, it causes inflammation.

That’s why allergies give you symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose, similar to what you might get if you had a cold. If symptoms get really severe or last a long time, they can lead to asthma.

You’re more likely to have a dust allergy if you:

If your doctor thinks you might have a dust allergy, they will:

Over-the-counter or prescription allergy drugs can help control your symptoms.

Talk to your doctor about which treatment is best for you.

The best strategy is to limit your contact with dust and dust mites. To get rid of dust mites in your home, keep their living habits in mind. They prefer temperatures of about 70 F or higher and humidity of 70% to 80%. They can't survive in colder, drier places.

In the U.S., dust mite allergies peak in July and August, when dust mite populations are high because of warm weather.

Dust mites like to eat dead skin from pets and humans. You probably shed enough skin a day to feed a million dust mites. Flakes of dead skin in carpeting, beds, and furniture are like tasty snacks for them.

To get rid of dust and dead skin, start in the bedroom. Large numbers of dust mites can gather in mattresses, bedding, and upholstered furniture.

Wear a mask while cleaning, too.

Keep air clean and dry

American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology: "House Dust Allergy," "Indoor Allergy Survival Tips," "Indoor Allergens: Tips to Remember."

American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: "Air Filters," "Humidifiers and Indoor Allergies," "House Dust Allergy."

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: "What Is Dust Mite Allergy?" "Tips to Control Indoor Allergens," Dust Mites," "Holiday Allergies," Home Remodeling."

Familydoctor.org: "Allergies: Things You Can Do to Control Your Symptoms."

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID): "How to Create a Dust-Free Bedroom."

News release, Sanofi-aventis U.S.

Mayo Clinic: “Dust mite allergy.”

Carlson, R. The Don't Sweat Guide to Keeping Your Home Clean, Hyperion, 2003.

Layton D. Environmental Science & Technology, November 2009.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: "Tips on How to Avoid Common Allergens.”

Healthy Women: "Protecting Your Children from Common Allergens."

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