There are a lot of things that can make you sick without even knowing about, it but one of them is so ubiquitous that everyone really should sit up and pay more attention to it. What is this secret cause of sickness? Dust. yes, that’s right, those specks of dust in your home could be doing you way more harm than you imagine, here’s how:
Dust mite allergies
First to the bat, we have dust mite allergies. Chances are you know someone who has one, but what you might not realize is that they can be totally debilitating. As well as some people having severe allergies to dust mites that can make them go into anaphylaxis (although this is relatively rare, many people get low-level sick and itchy from them all year round, These days, treatments like immunotherapy can often cure the problem, but if your allergy is low level, then just making sure the house is as clean and free from dust as possible is a sensible idea to stop those specks making you sick.
Asthma
Next, we have asthma. If you thought dust mite allergies were a riot, brace yourself. For those susceptible, dust can be the spark that sets off an asthma attack. Even if you aren’t typically asthmatic, long-term exposure to dust might leave you wheezing and gasping. A lungful of dust can lead to an inflammation party, and trust me, it’s one party you’d rather not attend.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
If you’re into collecting unique ailments, dust has got your back with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It’s a pretty rare but fancy lung condition caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled dust, particularly mold spores or bird proteins often found in dust. Symptoms can mimic the flu, and chronic exposure can cause permanent lung scarring.
Eczema
As if respiratory issues weren’t enough, dust can throw in some skin conditions for good measure. Many people who come into contact with a lot of dust, and the mites who feed off it, may find their skin becomes itchy, red, and flaky, which is exactly what no one wants to happen and why those dust mites are about as welcoming as sandpaper underwear.
Poor mental health
This might sound strange, but the dust in your home could even have a negative effect on your mental health too. You see, when your home is a mess, it can make you feel stressed out and anxious, so if there is a lot of dust around, you might not feel as good as you usually do, which is why so many people find cleaning to be pretty therapeutic. Give it a try if you think this could be an issue for you.
As you can see, having lots of dust in the house is no joke – it could be making you sick! So, if you feel up to it, why not bring out the feather duster and start busting that dust as soon as you can. The whole family is sure to feel much better if you do!