House dust mites — why symptoms get worse in winter

Winter is associated with a break from allergies, yet many people feel worse precisely during the heating season: runny nose, sneezing, a blocked nose, poorer sleep. A common culprit is house dust mites. In this article we explain, factually, where this paradox comes from and what really helps.

Important: this is an educational article. It does not replace a consultation with a doctor or allergy diagnostics. Tests and desensitisation at the AGAMED clinic are supportive in nature. If your symptoms are severe, consult a doctor or an allergist.

In brief

• It is not the mite itself that causes the allergy, but proteins in its droppings (including Der p 1, Der p 2).
• Mites like warmth and humidity — they multiply best at humidity of ~70–80% and temperatures above ~25°C.
• The heating-season paradox: dry air from heating reduces the mite population, yet symptoms often increase — because we spend more time at home, the allergen circulates with the dust and remains even after the mites have died.
• What works: washing bedding at 55–60°C, home humidity below 50%, anti-mite covers, airing, fewer carpets and "dust traps".
• Symptoms all year round, unrelated to pollen seasons? That is a hint that household allergens may be the source.

Why do dust mites cause allergies?

House dust mites are microscopic arachnids living in mattresses, bedding, carpets and upholstery. The allergic reaction is triggered not by the mites themselves but by proteins present in their droppings — the best known are Der p 1 and Der p 2. These particles easily become airborne with dust and reach the airways.

The heating-season paradox

Mites multiply best in warmth and high humidity. Turning on the heating dries the air, which tends to limit the mite population itself. So why do symptoms get worse in winter? Because:

• we spend more time in closed, heated rooms,
• dry air and less frequent airing favour dust becoming airborne along with the allergen,
• the allergen does not disappear with the mite — the proteins from droppings remain in textiles.

That is why a "winter allergy" is often a reaction to what we have at home — not to the frost.

What really helps (facts)

• Washing bedding at 55–60°C once every 1–2 weeks — a temperature of ≥55°C kills mites and destroys the Der p 1 allergen.
• Home humidity below 50% (but above 30%) — for example by airing and, if needed, a dehumidifier.
• Anti-mite covers for the mattress, duvet and pillows (tightly woven fabric).
• Fewer "dust reservoirs": carpets, heavy curtains, soft toys in the bedroom; regular vacuuming (preferably with a HEPA filter).
• Airing and a lower temperature in the bedroom make life harder for mites.

How to check whether it is mites?

Symptoms all year round (not only during the pollen season), worse in the morning and in the bedroom, are a typical hint. A definite diagnosis belongs to allergy diagnostics. At the AGAMED clinic in Szczecin we offer indicative bioresonance tests (including for mites) and supportive desensitisation — as a complement, not a replacement for tests with an allergist. See: tests and desensitisation.

Frequently asked questions

Are there more mites in winter?

Usually not — dry, heated air limits the population. Symptoms worsen mainly because we spend more time at home and the allergen circulates with the dust.

At what temperature should I wash bedding?

At 55–60°C — from about 55°C mites die and the allergen breaks down. Lower temperatures are less effective.

Is a dehumidifier alone enough?

It helps (humidity <50%), but it is best combined with washing at high temperature, covers and reducing textiles.

Year-round runny nose in Szczecin?

At the AGAMED clinic in Szczecin we carry out indicative bioresonance tests (including for mites) and supportive desensitisation. Tests and desensitisation · contact · tel. 519 055 858.

The information in this article is educational and is not medical advice.