How Can Rats Cause Asthma?
WouterWhile it’s unclear exactly how rodents cause asthma attacks, research shows that exposure to rodent dander, saliva, and droppings can trigger asthma attacks. The allergens they produce are responsible for the symptoms of asthma and other allergic reactions. Several studies have found that up to 82 percent of homes contain detectable levels of mice and rat allergens. Likewise, these rodents can carry a variety of diseases that can lead to serious health problems.
Although mice and rats do not pose an immediate health risk, the presence of these creatures in a home can make children sick and aggravate asthma and allergies. The toxic chemicals used to kill these pests are also harmful to children. Luckily, there are safe ways to get rid of these rodents. The Healthy Homes Coalition offers tips on Integrated Pest Management, a practice that can help reduce the risk of disease caused by pests in your home.
Although the study only looked at children, it found that children who were exposed to mice and roaches were much more likely to develop asthma. These findings suggest that exposure to these rodents may have a greater effect than exposure to cockroaches or other indoor allergens. If you suspect that you have a rat problem, you may want to consult your health care provider.
Animal allergies are common and can develop at any time in a person’s life. Some people are allergic to animals but never had a problem until they were exposed to them. Fortunately, most people with allergies react quickly, with symptoms showing minutes after exposure. However, others may take several hours to show symptoms. The symptoms that can arise are severe and potentially life-threatening.
