Cockroach Allergy

Cockroach allergy does not always get the attention that it should. Often, it is confused with other types of allergies. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between cockroach allergies and other allergies such as dust mite allergy or mold allergy. The problem is that the cockroach allergen may trigger the allergy symptoms but something else gets the blame.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are very hardy insects and difficult to get rid of once they have begun to take up residence in a home. Whether we are allergic to them or not, no one wants to see a cockroach running along the floor in our home. These pests tend to live in groups and multiply fast.

Where you see one, there are many more that you don’t see. They are attracted to our homes for the same reasons that dust mites are. Our homes provide them with food, water, humidity, and the ideal temperatures that they are looking for. Even those species that live outdoors will move indoors when the temperatures outside gets colder. Symptoms from cockroach allergy increase during the winter months.

Image courtesy of University of Nebraska Department of Entomology

In the picture above, the most common kinds of cockroaches are;
(from left to right) the American, Oriental, German, and Brownbanded cockroach.
In the picture below, the case that holds the eggs of each is shown.
It should not be hard to believe that cockroaches reproduce very rapidly.
If you would like to learn more about each,
click on the common cockroach.

Image courtesy of University of Nebraska Department of Entomology

Cockroach Facts

• One of the most common household nuisance
• One of the hardiest household pest
• Some species have been known to live up to a month without food Known to spread disease
• Known to walk on food preparation surfaces that result later in food contamination
• Cockroaches have been identified as a common cause of asthma
• Mostly nocturnal animals and scatter when disturbed
• Very resourceful in finding ways to enter buildings
• Considered one of the most adaptable kinds of animals
• Can be very resilient against pest control
• Cockroaches give off a secretion on the surfaces, foods, and dishes that they walk on. They also leave their feces everywhere they go. Both have a distinct, unpleasant odor. Other cockroaches find this odor stimulating and are attractive to it. To people who are sensitized to these proteins, they produce an allergic reaction.

What is Cockroach Allergy?

People who are exposed to cockroaches for a long period of time or exposed to high concentration of cockroach debris have a high likelihood of developing cockroach allergy.

Cockroach allergies are closely associated with dust allergies since cockroach debris is a component of house dust. Like other indoor house dust allergens, cockroach allergy is classified as perennial allergic rhinitis with symptoms being experienced all year long. Often, winter months make it worse because the home is closed up tighter and allergen concentrations are higher.

Along with causing allergy symptoms, cockroach allergies also cause complications such as;

• allergic conjunctivitis (inflammation of the clear membrane that covers the whites of the eyes)
• allergic sinusitis (inflammation of the sinus cavities)
• post nasal drip
• asthma

Research has shown that the cockroach allergen can not only contribute to causing asthma, but it also increases the severity of those who already have the condition. Those who already have asthma have a high likelihood of developing cockroach allergy.

The Cockroach Allergen

The debris that the common cockroach leaves behind is a tiny, potent allergen. This comes from cast skins, secretions, saliva, eggs, the waste product, small wing parts, and parts from decaying bodies. There is a protein in these allergens that our immune system regards as harmful for those who are sensitized to the protein.

Breathing in the cockroach allergen is one of the most common ways of coming into contact with it. Sending these body parts, droppings, and dried saliva into the air is done naturally through normal household activities. Vacuuming, dusting, sweeping and walking on the carpet will all propel these cockroach allergens airborne.

The cockroach allergen can be anywhere in size from 10 to 200 microns. A micron is a thousandth of a millimeter and the human eye can see down to about 100 microns. The allergen particle size is considered on the large side and settles out of the air relatively quickly.

As the natural decaying process occurs, the feces, wing parts, and decaying body parts and broken cuticles (outer shell that was shed for growth reasons) get smaller and smaller. Thus, they start to stay in the air longer. The protein contained in these roach allergens is a particular strong one. It does not require a lot of allergen particles to trigger cockroach allergy symptoms. This is also a reason why asthma is affected. This small, potent allergen can get past the nasal cavities and down into the bronchi tubes.

The amount of allergens that you can be exposed to if cockroaches have decided to take up residence in your house can be a lot. Cockroaches multiply very fast. And all of them are producing fecal matter, secretions, and body parts that are decaying. This debris can accumulate very quickly. Learning some cockroach allergy avoidance tips is essential for finding relief and managing your allergy.

The Immune System

For most of us, as disgusting as it is, the cockroach allergen is not a harmful substance to our bodies. Most of our immune systems have a natural way of disposing it once it has entered into our bodies. But for some, their immune system sees the allergen as an invader. The body begins to produce an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE).

The production of the IgE antibodies makes the body sensitive to the allergen. They attach themselves to the mast cells which are found in the nose. The allergic reaction begins when the allergen enters the body again and is recognized by the IgE antibody.

The IgE antibody launches an attack by causing the mast cells to burst open. Inside the mast cells are inflammatory chemicals. Histamine is the most well known of these. These chemicals are the immune system defense mechanism. The symptoms produced by these chemicals try to expel the allergen (by sneezing) and try to prevent more allergens from entering (stuffy nose).

Cockroach Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms from cockroach allergy may vary from person to person. The degree to which one is allergic will also vary. But in general, the symptoms that might be experienced may include:

• Runny Nose
• Nasal Congestion
• Itchy, Watery Eyes
• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Red, and Itchy Skin
• Skin Rash
• Scratchy Throat
• Cough
• Irritability
• Making asthma symptoms worse and triggering them more often

Who is at Risk?

Hereditary
If both parents have allergies, the likelihood of their children developing allergies increase dramatically. Hereditary does not dictate which allergy the child will have. Parents and children often become allergic to different allergens. It is the likelihood to develop allergies (and not the specific allergy itself) that the child inherits.

Allergic Asthma
Individuals with allergic asthma also have a high tendency to develop cockroach allergy. Asthma is considered one of the most chronic childhood diseases. Physicians are discovering that more and more hospital visits for asthma attacks are being triggered by cockroach allergens.

Social Status
Disproportionate numbers of low socioeconomic people live in the urban and inner cities. It is there that studies are showing a disproportionate number of people developing cockroach allergies. Research is revealing that those who are exposed to high levels of cockroach allergens early in life develop an increase likelihood of developing cockroach allergy. It is theorized that young children are especially vulnerable since they might be playing indoors more because of safety reasons. Exposure is increased even more during winter months in cold regions when the windows are closed up and the heat is turned on.

Allergy Testing

If you have asthma, you should be tested for cockroach allergies.

If you experience any difficultly in breathing, you should see your physician immediately. Your doctor can test for allergies using a simple skin test. The doctor will put a small amount of cockroach extract on your skin. Then the doctor will scratch the extract to get it under your skin using a special needle.

If there is redness or swelling in the test area, that is a sign that you are allergic. The size of the swelling can indicate to what degree you are allergic. The physician will measure the size of the wheal. The larger the wheal size, the more severe the allergy.

Interpreting these results require a physician trained in the field of allergies. Skin test, along with discussing your signs and symptoms with your allergist can produce the best plan of action. Possible recommendations from your allergist may include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, leukotriene inhibitors and immunotherapy. Avoidance of the allergen is the natural approach.

Controlling Cockroaches

Cockroach allergy and cockroach infestation is the classic example of prevention being the best course of action. Taking measures to prevent these problems are so much better and easier then trying to eliminate them once they develop. It is the classic example of avoidance being the best policy. There are many avoidance tips, advice, and websites to help you to bring these problems under control. It is not going to be easy. It will only be accomplished through determination, commitment, and the correct attitude.

A pest control company should be called if cockroaches have taken up residence in your home. There are many chemicals and products that can be used to kill and eliminate cockroaches. Because these products can also be harmful to humans and pets, you should consult with your local pest control company. Furthermore, sometimes these chemicals can irritate your allergy or asthma condition.

Pest extermination by a professional will produce the best results. They also have more knowledge about cockroaches developing a resistance to such chemicals. Understand that pest control involves more than just killing cockroaches. Cockroaches reproduce so rapidly that a plan to address the cockroach eggs must also be incorporated.

Image courtesy of University of Nebraska Department of Entomology

A sustained effort of cleanliness in the home and allergen reduction practices is required in controlling the problem. A roach population can easily return if the living conditions are right for them.

In summary, what needs to be done is;

• Prevent cockroaches from entering your home.
• Do not allow places for them to find refuge. Keep these areas cleaned up.
• Eliminate their food and water source.
• Engage in allergen reduction activities to reduce symptoms and increase the quality of life.

To learn more, read the article Cockroach Allergy by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Go to the nasal allergies home page.

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