Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
Although there care many causes of allergy (e.g. pollens, pets) the most common household allergen is house dust mite. These tiny creatures are only 0.3mm long and are invisible to the naked eye.
House dust mites can be found in every home, no atter how clean, especially in mattresses and bedding. They thrive in warm, humid and dark conditions. They die when exposed to very hot or cold conditions (e.g. hot machine washing, freezing). House dust mites feed on the skin flakes that we shed constantly.
They do not bite or sting. The allergens are contained in their microscopic faecal droppings, which can easily become airborne. When the allergens are inhaled or touch the skin, they can trigger asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis.
House Dust Mite Avoidance:
Although it is impossible to avoid house dust mites entirely, the following measures can help reduce your exposure to them:
- Cover pillows, duvets and mattresses with allergen barrier covers
And/or
- Hot wash (60c) pillows duvets and blankets, at least fortnightly, to destroy the mites and remove their faeces.
- Change bedding weekly and hot wash (60c) all bedding.
- Vacuum both sides of the mattress and under the bed. Use synthetic (i.e. non-feather) duvets and pillows. If bunk beds are in use the allergic person should sleep on the top bunk.
- Vacuum floors, curtains and upholstered furniture weekly using the appropriate tools (e.g. stair brush, crevice nozzle, upholstery brush). If possible, use a vacuum cleaner with a double filter system or a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to reduce the amount of dust recycled into the air.
- Dust all flat surfaces, (e.g. shelves, windowsills, and tops of cupboards) on a weekly basis, using damp cloths.
- If possible, have a non-allergic person to do the cleaning. If this is not possible, a protective facemask should be worn when vacuuming and/or dusting. Keep allergic children away from the room/s during cleaning and for at least 2 hours afterwards.
- Avoid non-removable soft furnishings (e.g. sofa covers), heavy curtains and Venetian blinds. The use of vinyl floor coverings or wood floors and small washable rugs are recommended for places where the allergic person spends most long periods of time (e.g. bedroom).
- Keep stuffed/fluffy toys to a minimum in the bedroom. Ideally, hot wash (60c) them fortnightly and/or place them in the freezer for 3-4 hours to minimise the build up of house dust mites.
- Reduce humidity in rooms by opening the windows daily. Clothing should be stored in closed cupboards or drawers. Avoid drying clothes inside the house.
- Keep pets out of the bedroom and off soft furnishings.
- There are sprays available that state they kill the house dust mite. These can be expensive and there is not yet enough proof to confirm that they have any usefulness in the long term.
Other sources of information about allergies:
The British Society For Allergy & Clinical Immunology www.
Allergy UK http://
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Ear or nose and throat (ENT) service.
About this information
Service:
Ear, nose and throat (ENT)
Reference:
G/014
Approval date:
23 February 2026
Review date:
1 February 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.