Cockroaches and Asthma

People with asthma may want to avoid cockroaches, since they carry allergens and can trigger the onset of asthma attacks. Asthma is a respiratory disorder in which the person experiences attacks of coughing, wheezing. It’s estimated that more than seven percent of children and eight percent of adults in the United States will suffer from some type of asthma.

In some cases, however, medications may not provide complete relief. In these cases, an allergist may prescribe immunotherapy, which works by changing the body’s response to allergens. This treatment can reduce the severity of allergic reactions and change the course of the disease. Some products designed for people with asthma or allergies can help them breathe more comfortably and prevent asthma attacks.

Cockroaches can trigger allergic reactions because they produce allergens in their feces, saliva, and body parts. These allergens are airborne for a short time and settle into dust. The dust is then inhaled by people with asthma. Asthma sufferers should clean the affected areas of their homes regularly, especially around the kitchen. People with asthma might not experience any symptoms immediately, but they should monitor their symptoms and avoid exposure to cockroaches in their homes.

Studies have found that the presence of cockroach allergens in the home is associated with asthma and allergy symptoms. Moreover, the study showed that people with asthma were more likely to be sensitive to cockroach allergens. In fact, cockroach allergens are present in 23 percent to 60 percent of households in urban areas.

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