Can cockroaches affect asthma patients? The German cockroach has certain proteins in its skeleton that people can develop allergies to. According to Stoy Hedges, an entomologist and Manager of Technical...
According to Stoy Hedges, an entomologist and Manager of Technical Services at Terminix International, the answer is yes, maybe. It depends on the persons and their personal allergies and sensitivities.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, at www.epa.gov/iaq/asthma, "Asthma is a serious, sometimes life threatening respiratory disease that affects the quality of life for millions of Americans. Although there is no cure for asthma yet, asthma can be controlled through medical treatment and management of environmental triggers." Asthma leads to 2 million emergency room visits and 5,000 deaths each year in the US, according to the EPA.
Hedges states, "The German cockroach has certain proteins in its skeleton that people can develop allergies to. The same thing is true of dust mites. Researchers are finding out that even ladybugs carry certain proteins. If they get big enough in the population, and you get the right person exposed, they can show allergic responses." Hedges also explains that German cockroaches are the ones that are most studied as they are the type living within our homes.
The EPA website explains, "Certain proteins, called allergens, are found in cockroach feces and saliva and can cause allergic reactions, or trigger asthma symptoms, in some individuals. Cockroaches are commonly found in crowded cities and southern regions of the United States. Cockroach allergens likely play a significant role in asthma in many inner-city areas."
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences website, at www.niehs.nih.gov/airborne/prevent/roach.html states, "These pests are common even in the cleanest of crowded urban areas and older dwellings. They are found in all types of neighborhoods."
The EPA website offers tips to avoid problems with cockroaches. Keep food cleaned up and stored tightly, while making certain counters, sinks and dishes are washed promptly. Seal cracks and leaks in your home. Don't stack up materials favored by the pests, such as boxes and newspapers. Keep garbage picked up and remove bags to trash receptacle outdoors that has a tight fitting lid.
If you have to treat your home for roaches, don't forget that the person with allergies and asthma should never be around when sprays are used. Allow plenty of time for the home to air out before allowing affected individuals back inside the area. Don't spray food preparation areas or spaces where children play or sleep. These recommendations from the EPA are to protect those who are already susceptible to respiratory problems.
How can you tell if you or a family member might be suffering from asthma or allergies due to indoor pollutants? According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, symptoms vary from person to person, even from one attack to another. However, the most common signs are coughing (especially at night), wheezing (a whistling sound emitted while breathing), chest tightness, shortness of breath and faster or noisy breathing.
Hedges sums it up, "Not every asthma patient will have a reaction to German cockroaches or other pests. Not everybody who has asthma is allergic to everything. There are certain things they will be allergic to. I recommend that people who are concerned about this should talk it over with their doctor."
