Dust mite immunotherapy is the only treatment that addresses the root cause of dust mite allergy. Studies show that dust mite immunotherapy can reduce allergy symptoms in people with moderate-to-severe dust mite allergy. (1, 2)

In this article, we will explain what dust mite immunotherapy is, the available types, and the benefits of this form of allergy treatment.

Quello allergy drops offer allergen-specific immunotherapy tailored for people with a dust mite allergy.

What is Dust Mite Immunotherapy?

Dust mite immunotherapy, also referred to as dust mite desensitization, is a type of allergy treatment that uses dust mite allergen extract to train the body to react differently to dust mites. (2)

Researchers say it's a “bit like being vaccinated against your own allergy”. (2) With time, your body does not react as strongly to dust mites, and you experience fewer or no allergy symptoms.

Benefits of Dust Mite Immunotherapy

Dust mite immunotherapy offers significant benefits for people with persistent dust mite allergies or those who don’t get relief from allergy medicines like antihistamines and nasal sprays. (2)

Some benefits you may get from dust mite immunotherapy include: (2, 3)

• Relief of dust mite allergy symptoms, such as itchy eyes or nose, nasal congestion, runny nose, and post-nasal drip.

• Can prevent your dust mite allergy from developing into an allergy to other substances (cross-reactivity)

• Reduce the use of allergy medicines.

• Symptom relief continues even after treatment ends.

• Lowers the risk of developing new allergies.

How does Dust Mite Immunotherapy work

Dust mite immunotherapy works by making your immune system less sensitive to dust mite allergens. (2)

An allergy to dust mites occurs when your immune system overreacts to dust mite allergens, producing antibodies to protect itself, and in the process triggering allergy symptoms. (4)

In dust mite immunotherapy, your body is gradually exposed to small amounts of dust mite allergens until it becomes less reactive when exposed to them in everyday life.  Dust mite allergen extracts have been approved for use in dust mite immunotherapy. (2)

Types of Dust Mite Immunotherapy

There are two main types of dust mite immunotherapy:

1. Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT)

In subcutaneous immunotherapy, or allergy shots, dust mite allergens are injected under the skin. This treatment option involves regular clinic visits.

You may need to receive a dust mite allergen once or twice a week to build up your tolerance. This buildup phase generally takes about 3 to 6 months.

After this, you will be given maintenance shots about once a month for about 3 to 5 years or longer, depending on your response to treatment. This helps you maintain immunity to dust-mite allergens.

2. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)

If you do not like injections, sublingual immunotherapy might be a more convenient option for managing your dust mite allergy symptoms and is just as effective. (1)

Just like with allergy shots. SLIT for dust mite allergy is also administered in two phases. However, most people notice improvement within 3 to 4 months after using allergy drops as directed.

Allergy drops are held under the tongue for about a minute or two before being swallowed. SLIT for dust mite immunotherapy does not require doctor visits; you typically take them once a day at home, or as directed by your allergy provider.

What are the side effects of dust mite immunotherapy?

You may experience side effects from using dust mite allergy medication. However, in most cases, these side effects are mild and often resolve on their own. (2)

Some side effects you may experience with dust mite immunotherapy include:  (2)

• Mild rash at the injection site for allergy shots

• Itching and swelling of the tongue from allergy drops

• Brief allergy symptoms such as sneezing and watery eyes

• Tiredness (fatigue)

• Headaches

• Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions, rare and associated with allergy shots, not drops)

If you experience side effects that do not resolve after weeks, are concerned about your symptoms, or experience allergic reactions to dust mite immunotherapy, consult your allergy provider.

Which is Better for dust mite allergy: Allergy shots or allergy drops

There is no one recommendation for which dust mite immunotherapy is better for you; it all boils down to preference.

While some studies have found allergy shots to be more effective, other studies argue that allergy drops and shots are equally effective, depending on the individual. (3, 5)

However, allergy drops are more convenient and associated with fewer side effects than allergy shots.  (3, 6) 

Read this detailed article comparing Allergy shots vs Allergy drops to find which may be more suitable for you. 

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Other ways of managing dust mite allergy

Other ways you can manage your dust mite allergy in addition to dust mite immunotherapy include:

Keep the humidity levels in your home between 35 to 50% to prevent dust mite growth.

• Wash bedding in hot water (130-140°F) at least once a week to kill dust mites and wash them away.

• Use allergen-resistant covers for pillows and mattresses.

• Use over-the-counter allergy medicines such as antihistamines or nasal sprays.

Curious whether you may have dust mites in your home? Read this article:  How to know if you have dust mites.

Get Rid of Dust Mite Allergies with Quello Allergy Drops

Interested in trying out dust mite immunotherapy?

Quello allergy drops offer allergen-specific immunotherapy tailored for people with a dust mite allergy.

Quello’s dust mite allergy drops contain high-quality dust mite allergen extracts that will retrain your immune system to react less strongly to dust mite allergens.

Not sure if your allergies are due to dust mites? Take our free allergy test to get started.

Have more questions? Visit our FAQs for quick answers or schedule a free consultation with one of our allergy specialists.