Cockroaches Produce Asthma-causing Allergens
The Risk of Cockroach Allergy Is Higher for Inner-city Children
Feb 20, 2009
Living with cockroaches is bad enough, but they are also a common source of allergens that can result in mild to severe allergy symptoms. They are a known trigger for acute asthma attacks in urban areas.
What is Cockroach Allergy?
When cockroaches live in a house, they can become a source of allergens. They can cause anything from mild allergy symptoms to severe asthma attacks. Many parts of the cockroaches are allergenic, including their bodies, feces, and saliva. When they die, their bodies break down, adding these allergens to the accumulated household dust.
If cockroaches are present, an individual should be suspicious if allergy symptoms persist year round, instead of going through cycles. This is especially true for asthma symptoms, which is the most common chronic disease for children. A cockroach allergy can be diagnosed by a skin test, and the symptoms can be treated by a doctor.
Getting Rid of Cockroaches
The most important thing to do is to get rid of the cockroaches. They will live where they find food, warmth and dampness, usually preferring the kitchen.
The following points should be considered when attempting to rid the home of cockroaches:
- A professional exterminator should know how to do the job properly. However, an allergic individual should be wary of sprays, which can aggravate asthma symptoms.
- An individual can also use gel baits and traps, which are safest for people with asthma. The manufacturer’s instructions should be followed, and they should be changed regularly. They must, however, be kept away from children and pets.
- Any food preparation should be cleaned up right away, and all areas of the home should be cleaned regularly. The bedroom needs special cleaning attention because people spend the most time there, sleeping and breathing in the allergens.
- Food containers and trash cans should be kept sealed at all times. Trash should be removed daily.
- Pet food should also be sealed in a container, and should not be left lying around for long periods of time. Litter boxes will also need to be cleaned regularly.
- Any leaky plumbing should be fixed.
- Any openings and cracks, which provide entry points, should be sealed.
NOTE: If the bedroom only is treated for allergens, the cockroaches living in the rest of the home will renew the problem in a short time.
Cockroaches are an Allergen Risk to Inner-city Children
Cockroaches are a greater risk to inner-city children for several reasons:
- Many of the buildings are older, causing an accumulation of cockroach allergens in the dust.
- People who are living in an apartment building usually have less control over getting helpful repairs completed quickly.
- There is also the issue of extermination; unless the whole building is treated, the problem will reoccur within a short time.
- For safety reasons, children who live in the inner-city spend more time indoors. Of course, this means more exposure to the allergens.
- Cockroaches are also an issue in many schools.
Cockroaches do not make very good house mates at anytime, but if they are causing allergies, they must be dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible. An individual should also keep in mind that a medical doctor is the best source of advice for determining an allergy and treating the symptoms.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical attention and supervision.
Sources:
Hospital for Sick Children: The Complete Kid’s Allergy and Asthma Guide: The Parent’s Handbook for Children of All Ages. Ed. Dr. Milton Gold. Toronto, Canada: Robert Rose Inc., 2003.
Ehrlich, Paul and Chiaramonte, Larry. What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children’s Allergies and Asthma: Simple Steps To Help Stop Attacks and Improve Your Child’s Health. New York, U.S.A.: Warner Books, Inc., 2003.
Website: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, updated 2005. Visited February 18, 2009.
For other articles on indoor allergies see Keeping an Eye on Indoor Allergens, Dust Proofing the House for Allergy Sufferers, and Indoor Air Quality.
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