Dust Allergy Treatment
in San Mateo, CA

If you are struggling with constant sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, or difficulty breathing indoors, you may be dealing with a dust allergy. At our clinic in San Mateo, CA, we understand how disruptive and frustrating these symptoms can be—especially when they persist at home, work, or while you sleep. Our dust allergy treatment services are designed to identify the root cause of your allergic reactions and provide effective, long-term relief. With personalized care and advanced diagnostic tools, we help patients breathe easier and regain control over their daily comfort.

Table Of Contents

What Is a Dust Mite?

What to Expect During Your Initial Appointment

Treatment Options for Dust Allergies

How to Decrease Dust Mite Exposure?

How Long Does Treatment Usually Take?

Candidates for Dust Allergy Treatment

Benefits of Dust Allergy Treatment

Cost of Dust Allergy Treatment in San Mateo, CA

Experience Professional Care at the Allergy and Asthma Clinic

What Is a Dust Mite?

House dust is a complex mixture of dirt, animal dander, food particles, furniture fibers, and household insects (such as dust mites and cockroaches). The dust mite represents the most allergenic component of all materials found in dust. It is a microscopic, insect-like creature that can be found in most homes, particularly in mattresses, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Its diet consists of the tiny bits of dried skin that we shed. Waste product particles produced by dust mites (aka dust mite poop!) are the primary substances in house dust that trigger reactions in people with allergies.

What to Expect During Your Initial Appointment

Consultation

When you visit our r medical offices in San Mateo or Daly City for dust allergy concerns, your appointment begins with a thorough review of your medical history and symptoms. We recognize that indoor allergies often overlap with other triggers, such as seasonal allergies or pet dander, which is why our approach is designed to identify specific allergens affecting each person’s environment and lifestyle. This initial discussion helps our allergy specialists determine the best course of action for diagnosis and treatment.

Allergy Testing

A key part of your consultation may include allergy testing to pinpoint your body’s specific allergic responses. Depending on your symptoms, this may involve skin tests—small pricks on the skin using trace amounts of suspected allergens—or a blood draw, which allows us to measure antibody levels associated with allergic reactions. These tests help us determine whether dust mites, pet dander, or other substances are contributing to your condition. We use this information to build a personalized treatment plan that targets your specific allergens directly.

Care and Support

We will then go over the results with you, explain their meaning, and discuss next steps—whether that involves avoidance strategies, medications, or immunotherapy. By the end of the appointment, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of your condition and a plan to breathe more easily, both indoors and outdoors.

Treatment Options for Dust Allergies

Antihistamines

One of the most commonly recommended treatments for dust allergies is the use of antihistamines. These medications work by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction. By doing so, they help relieve symptoms, such as sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. Antihistamines can be taken as tablets, liquids, or nasal sprays, and they are often used in combination with other treatment methods for optimal relief.

Nasal Corticosteroid Sprays

For patients experiencing chronic nasal congestion or sinus pressure, nasal corticosteroid sprays are an effective treatment option. These sprays reduce excessive inflammation in the nasal passages, improving airflow and easing breathing. They are beneficial for individuals who experience recurring sinus problems due to prolonged exposure to dust mites or other allergens in their homes or workplaces.

Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)

Allergy shots, also known as subcutaneous immunotherapy, are a long-term option for treating allergies at their source. This approach gradually retrains the immune system to respond less aggressively to specific allergens, such as dust mites. By regularly introducing small doses of the allergen into the body over time, allergy shots help reduce the severity of reactions and can significantly improve a person’s overall tolerance to dust and other triggers.

Allergy Drops (Sublingual Immunotherapy)

Allergy drops are an alternative to allergy shots and are taken under the tongue instead of by injection. Sublingual immunotherapy is convenient, especially for patients who prefer to manage their treatment at home. Like allergy shots, these drops target the immune system to reduce sensitivity to allergens such as dust mites, offering long-term symptom relief with consistent use.

Avoidance and Environmental Control

In addition to medical treatment, managing dust allergies often includes strategies to reduce exposure to the substances that trigger allergic reactions. Our team provides guidance on minimizing environmental allergies by addressing common sources, including bedding, carpeting, and indoor humidity. Simple changes—such as using dust-mite-proof covers, air purifiers, and regular cleaning—can make a significant difference in your overall symptom control.

How to Decrease Dust Mite Exposure?

If you are allergic to dust mites, you should pay special attention to your bedroom, which is where most people spend one-third of their lives. The following recommendations can help decrease dust mite exposure in the bedroom:

Avoid using feather pillows or down comforters.
Enclose the pillow, mattress, and box springs in special dust-proof encasings that zip up to provide complete enclosure. Newer products are much more comfortable than the crackly plastic covers you may remember from many years ago.
Wash all bedding in a hot water cycle at least every one to two weeks to eliminate dust mite allergens.
Eliminate or at least reduce the number of stuffed animals on or near the bed.

Keep the bedroom free of clutter. Eliminate or minimize books, bookshelves, toys, knick-knacks, and other clutter.
Non-carpeted floors are ideal, but if you must have carpeting, opt for tightly woven carpets with a low pile.
Vacuum thoroughly and regularly – using a vacuum with either a HEPA filter or special “dust proof” vacuum cleaner bags which are available for most brands of vacuum cleaners that are not “bagless”.

How Long Does
Treatment Usually
Take?

The length of dust allergy treatment varies depending on the severity of symptoms and the type of treatment chosen. Medications, such as antihistamines or nasal sprays, can offer relief within days to weeks, while long-term options, like allergy shots or drops, may take several months to years to show full benefits. We will discuss a personalized timeline during your appointment, helping you understand what to expect as your body responds to treatment and your symptoms improve.

Candidates for Dust Allergy Treatment

Dust allergy symptoms can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether your reactions are mild or disruptive to daily life, a medical evaluation can help determine if treatment is appropriate. Individuals often seek care after noticing recurring issues in specific environments or in combination with other allergic conditions, such as eczema or persistent itching.
You may be a candidate for dust allergy treatment if you:

Experience year-round nasal congestion or sneezing
Have indoor allergies that worsen at night or after cleaning
Live with pets and notice allergy symptoms
Work or sleep in carpeted or dust-prone spaces

Have a history of asthma or allergic rhinitis
React strongly to seasonal changes despite staying indoors
Have family members with diagnosed allergies
Show signs of allergic skin reactions or sinus discomfort

Benefits of Dust
Allergy Treatment

Living with untreated dust allergies can interfere with sleep, concentration, and overall quality of life. Once the underlying allergens are identified and addressed, many patients experience significant improvements in their day-to-day well-being.
Key benefits of dust allergy treatment include:

Fewer allergy-related symptoms
Improved indoor air comfort
Better sleep quality
Reduced need for over-the-counter medications
Lower risk of sinus infections
Easier breathing during daily activities
Less frequent skin irritation
Enhanced focus and productivity

Cost of Dust Allergy
Treatment in San Mateo, CA

The cost of dust allergy treatment in San Mateo can vary depending on the type of testing and treatment you need. Some people may only require medication, while others might need ongoing care, such as allergy shots or drops. Insurance often covers part of the cost; however, out-of-pocket expenses may still apply. During your appointment, our team can review your coverage and walk you through any fees, so you know what to expect before starting treatment.

Experience
Professional Care at
the Allergy and
Asthma Clinic

At the Allergy and Asthma Clinic, patients receive thoughtful, professional care. From the moment you check in at the front desk, our team works to ensure an amazing experience at every visit. Our allergists take the time to listen and explain your options clearly, while our medical assistants are both knowledgeable and helpful, making sure you feel supported throughout the process. Whether you are here for testing or ongoing treatment, we are committed to your comfort and long-term health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does insurance cover dust allergy treatment?

Yes, many insurance plans do cover dust allergy treatment, including diagnostic testing and follow-up care. Coverage can vary depending on your specific plan, so we recommend checking with your provider or contacting our office for help understanding your benefits.

Do you also treat food allergies?

Yes, we treat food allergies using evidence-based approaches rooted in Western medicine. Our allergists can evaluate and manage a wide range of allergic conditions, including both environmental and food-related triggers.

Will you respond to all my questions during the consultation?

Absolutely. Our friendly staff and medical team make it a priority to thoroughly answer every question. Our allergy specialists pride themselves on doing an excellent job figuring out each patient’s unique needs—whether you are an adult or bringing in your children for care.

Do you offer your services to patients from Daly City and other places in the San Francisco Bay Area?

Yes, we welcome and treat patients from the Peninsula, the South Bay, the East Bay, Marin and San Francisco itself, basically all throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. No matter where you are located in California, we are happy to provide personalized allergy care that fits your needs.