This condition is caused by inhaling dust containing fungal spores. Over time, this can damage long-term lung health if lung tissue becomes scarred.

A more common condition though, is dust mite allergy, from inhaling dust mite allergens. In fact, dust mite allergy is one of the most common allergies in the world.

In this article we’ll answer the question can breathing dust make you sick. We’ll explain the science behind what’s happening to your lungs, list the symptoms you need to watch out for and tell you what else may be causing it. We’ll also look at ways to manage dust allergies, from avoidance strategies to treatment options.

The lungs bring air into your body and pass oxygen into the bloodstream. Sometimes air contains potentially irritating particles, such as dust, which when inhaled can cause all sorts of symptoms. To prevent symptoms from developing the body has developed a series of protective mechanisms, including.

• Lining the nose with mucus: To catch dust and other particles before they reach the lungs.
• Coating the airways with cilia (hair-like projections): These move mucus up and out of the lungs, clearing debris from them.
• Producing special proteins and macrophages (a type of immune cell): These help trap and neutralise dust and other particles.

The effect dust has will depend on where it settles. When large particles are caught in the nose, you may sneeze or blow your nose to get rid of them. On occasions where something harmful does make its way into the airways it could cause bronchitis. If dust gets deep into the lungs, it could lead to serious complications, such as a build-up of scar tissue . But this is more likely to happen if symptoms are left untreated for a long period of time.

The lungs bring air into your body and pass oxygen into the bloodstream. Sometimes air contains potentially irritating particles, such as dust, which when inhaled can cause all sorts of symptoms. To prevent symptoms from developing the body has developed a series of protective mechanisms, including.

• Lining the nose with mucus: To catch dust and other particles before they reach the lungs.
• Coating the airways with cilia (hair-like projections): These move mucus up and out of the lungs, clearing debris from them.
• Producing special proteins and macrophages (a type of immune cell): These help trap and neutralise dust and other particles.

The effect dust has will depend on where it settles. When large particles are caught in the nose, you may sneeze or blow your nose to get rid of them. On occasions where something harmful does make its way into the airways it could cause bronchitis. If dust gets deep into the lungs, it could lead to serious complications, such as a build-up of scar tissue . But this is more likely to happen if symptoms are left untreated for a long period of time.

The lungs bring air into your body and pass oxygen into the bloodstream. Sometimes air contains potentially irritating particles, such as dust, which when inhaled can cause all sorts of symptoms. To prevent symptoms from developing the body has developed a series of protective mechanisms, including.

• Lining the nose with mucus: To catch dust and other particles before they reach the lungs.
• Coating the airways with cilia (hair-like projections): These move mucus up and out of the lungs, clearing debris from them.
• Producing special proteins and macrophages (a type of immune cell): These help trap and neutralise dust and other particles.

The effect dust has will depend on where it settles. When large particles are caught in the nose, you may sneeze or blow your nose to get rid of them. On occasions where something harmful does make its way into the airways it could cause bronchitis. If dust gets deep into the lungs, it could lead to serious complications, such as a build-up of scar tissue . But this is more likely to happen if symptoms are left untreated for a long period of time.

• Silica: Can cause silicosis
• Asbestos: Has been linked to lung cancer
• Coal: Can cause pneumoconiosis or black lung disease

Symptoms can happen at any time, but they’re often worse during or immediately following dusting, sweeping or vacuuming. The process of cleaning disturbs the dust, making the tiny particles easier to breathe in. 

If you have dust allergies use a damp cloth and wear an N95 mask during these activities.

You can follow these tips to further reduce your exposure to dust indoors:

• Let the dust settle: Dust may take hours to settle after a thorough clean, so consider leaving your home during this time. If your children have dust allergies try to clean when they are at school or elsewhere. And avoid cleaning their bedroom before bedtime.
• Install a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and consider fitting your air conditioner with a HEPA filter to help remove dust from your home.
• Properly maintain airflow systems: Change the filter at least four times per year and get heating systems and cooling units serviced twice a year.
• Call in the pest control: If you think cockroach waste may be the source of your dust allergies, use traps with non-toxic bait and schedule regular visits from professional exterminators.

If you are affected by dust mites, there are specific tips you can follow to reduce dust mite allergy triggers in your home.

Allergic rhinitis can be treated with antihistamines or corticosteroid nasal sprays. Both can help to control the inflammation and irritation in your nose. Decongestants can also help with a stuffy nose, but they should only be taken for a short amount of time.

If dust mites are causing your eczema symptoms to flare there are skin care regimes to prevent your skin from becoming too dry and itchy. Your doctor can help with this.

Dust mite allergy is sometimes treated with immunotherapy. Treatment involves repeated tiny doses of an allergen over three to five years to retrain your immune system. This can be either as injections or as tablets under your tongue.