Why are cockroaches linked to asthma?

Asthma affects the airways of the lungs. It's a long-term inflammatory disease characterized by recurrent symptoms such as reversible airflow obstruction and bronchospasm with episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. It can be worse in different individuals and come out a couple times a day or week. Asthma is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. For example, an exposure to air pollution and allergens, medications such as aspirin and beta blockers. Asthma is diagnosed by the frequency of symptoms and how they affect the individual. Cockroach allergy. Cockroaches can easily trigger asthma attacks. Children who are allergic to cockroaches and are exposed to them need to visit hospitals for asthma related occurrences more often. Cockroaches are famous insects that raise a lot of fear in people around the world. Although they’re relatively harmless cockroaches are gross and are signs of an unclean environment. Cockroaches have quickly adapted to human lifestyles and are a common factor to living in urban and suburban areas. A cockroach allergy can be explained by the amount of protein they contain. The excess of protein is an allergen to many people. Allergens cause allergic reactions in people often triggering asthma attacks. Body parts, saliva, waste and dead bodies of cockroaches can cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms to a cockroach allergy.

• • • Sneezing.
    • Runny nose.
    • Itchy, red or watery eyes.
    • Stuffy nose.
    • Itchy nose, mouth or throat.
    • Postnasal drip (a flow of mucus from behind your nose into your throat).
    • Cough.
    • Itchy skin or rash.

When the allergy triggers asthma you may also experience difficulty breathing, chest tightness or pain, a whistling or wheezing sound when breathing out, and trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing. Cockroach allergy diagnosis. In most cases to determine a cockroach allergy a doctor may give you a physical exam and discuss your symptoms. If the think you’re allergic to cockroaches the doctor might perform an allergy test. Avoiding cockroach exposure. There’s many signs to a cockroach infestation. They’re common without the homeowner even realizing the problem they have. To avoid having an infestation you must:

• • • Tightly cover all trash cans.
    • Store food in glass sealable containers.
    • Clean up the kitchen after use including dishes.
    • Sweep food crumbs from counters, stove top, tables and floor.
    • Avoid leaving pet food out.
    • Fix leaky pipes.
    • Seal crack in walls and floor.
    • Call a professional and remove the infestation.

Cockroach allergy treatment. The best way to avoid cockroach allergy is by keeping your distance from the insect. But, there may be circumstance when you need medication to control the symptoms. Always consult a doctor for which strategy best works for you.

• • • Antihistamines are pills, liquids and nose sprays used for most allergic reactions.
    • Nasal corticosteroids is a nose spray that reduces swelling in your nose. They also block allergies.
    • Leukotriene receptor antagonists prevent the actions of chemical messengers involved in allergic reactions.
    • Cromolyn sodium is a nose spray that blocks the spread of chemicals that are part of allergic reactions.
    • Decongestants are common to help reduce congestion as a result of allergic reaction.

Cockroaches Port Elgin. There are many different species of cockroach found throughout the world. All these infestations can grow at alarming rates. If you find any signs of cockroach infestation contact Truly Nolen Pest Control.