House Dust Mite-Induced Allergic Rhinitis: Is Prevention an Option?

Purpose of reviewThe aim of this paper is to review and summarise the current knowledge of prevention of house dust mite (HDM)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR).Recent findingsAR can be either classified as seasonal/intermittent (for example hay fever occurring summer and autumn) or perennial/persistent (occurring throughout the year). The commonest trigger for seasonal AR is pollen whereas HDMs are the key allergic trigger for perennial AR. HDMs are a recognised indoor allergen that is crucial in the development of AR, asthma, and atopic dermatitis.SummaryPreventive strategies have gained acceptance for the management scheme in the treatment of patients with AR. Specifically, preventive measures include allergen avoidance, environmental control, and immunotherapy. The primary goal of medical treatment is to reduce the burden of disease, improve quality of life and to prevent the development of the sequelae of AR such as bronchial asthma. Prevention is a viable option and key component in HDM-AR management. As urbanisation and lifestyle changes lead to the increase of HDM-AR, there should be a more concerted effort towards prevention.