Skip to main content

Search

Definition: Dust Mites for Parents

|

Dust Mites
(Ácaros)

Dust mites are microscopic bugs that live in household dust. They work their way into soft places like pillows, blankets, mattresses, and stuffed animals. Many people with asthma are allergic to dust - but it's the droppings produced by the mites in the dust, along with the body fragments of dead dust mites, that really cause allergic reactions. When breathed in, these can lead a person to develop allergy or asthma symptoms.

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

© 1995-2009 The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth. All rights reserved.

Should your child see a doctor?

Find out by selecting your child’s symptom or health condition in the list below:

All Symptoms

Spring 2013: Good Growing Newsletter

In This Issue

  • You Are a Key Player on Your Child’s Healthcare Team
  • Bad Weather? Bring the Action Indoors!
  • Coping with a Crying Baby

Download Spring 2013 (PDF)

Read Good Growing 

Videos

Stories from the Heart: A Mother’s Day Tribute 2013 0:57:30Expand
4.27.13

Watch heartwarming stories about mothers and patients and learn more about the amazing work done by the doctors and nurses at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Presented by Safeway. Consider making a donation to Seattle Children’s in honor of a woman you know, love or admire at Seattlechildrens.org/mothersday. Aired Saturday, April 27, 2013, at 7 p.m. on KOMO.

Play Video
What Is IBD, Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis? 0:03:53Expand
4.26.13

In this video series, we address questions commonly asked by parents of children with IBD.

Play Video
How to Help Your Child Adjust to School After a Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosis 0:06:38Expand
4.26.13

In this video series, we address questions commonly asked by parents of children with IBD.

Play Video
More Videos