Can Bed Bugs Cause Breathing Problems?
WouterSome people who live in bedbug-infested environments may suffer from breathing problems and rashes. These symptoms are similar to those that people who are allergic to dust mites and cockroaches experience. Bedbugs cause these respiratory problems when they feed on human blood. You should consult a physician if you notice any of these symptoms.
If your bed is contaminated with bedbugs, your immune system will be damaged. This will lead to respiratory issues such as asthma or bronchitis. You may also experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or fatigue. As a result, you may develop a more severe condition, such as pulmonary emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis. These conditions can take weeks to develop and may require medical intervention.
People who suffer from asthma can be more sensitive to bedbugs than others. The poop produced by bedbugs contains histamine, which is an allergen that can trigger a severe reaction. In some cases, the poop contains more than just a single bug. The histamine in the bedbug droppings can increase the amount of histamine in the air in the home. In some cases, researchers found up to 20 times the amount of histamine in homes where bedbugs were present.
Almost 70% of people who are infected with bedbugs have an allergic reaction to the pests. In some cases, these reactions can be life-threatening. Allergic reactions to bedbugs can cause rashes, difficulty breathing, and even hives. Some people can even experience asthma attacks.
