Fact Checked
Cockroach allergy is an allergic reaction when exposed to small particles from cockroaches.
Cockroaches have certain proteins or allergen and with direct contact with these pest result to severe allergic reactions. Generally, the allergen causes an immune reaction in the body. Exposure to body parts, saliva and waste products causes an allergic reaction. The reaction becomes severe if the affected person has asthma. Even dead cockroach can still cause an allergy.
Causes of cockroach allergy
- Cockroaches shed their body parts along with the saliva, fecal and dead roaches and mix with dust and cause allergic reactions when inhaled.
- Production of histamines that cause the symptoms during allergic reactions.
- That amount of exposure to the allergen, it can be mild or minor contact with the allergen to cause the allergy.
Symptoms
- At first, runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes, redness and irritation or conjunctivitis
- Swollen eyes
- Coughing, chest tightness
- Irritation of the throat
- Ear infections
- Shortness of breath, wheezing
- Throat irritations
- Facial pain due to irritations in the sinus
- Itchy skin
- Severe respiratory symptoms
- Lastly, whole body allergic reactions or anaphylaxis
Treatment
- Limit exposure to cockroaches to prevent further irritations.
- Prescribed antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids to lessen the pain and the symptoms of cockroach allergy. Generally, they lessen the swelling in the neck and stop further irritations in the area.
- Prescribed nasal decongestants. It lessens the lining of the nasal passages and relieve of nasal stuffiness. It also lessens the swelling of tissues and blood vessels in the eyes and nose caused by a reaction to an allergen.
- Prescribed anti-inflammatory and inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators to stop episodes of asthma, wheezing with symptoms of cockroach allergy.
- Epinephrine or adrenaline for severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis.
- Prescribed allergen immunotherapy or allergy shots, to lessen symptoms of severe allergies for more than 3 months in a year. In addition, the person is injected large amounts of a diluted allergen for several months.
Tips
- Maintain regular cleanliness of kitchen sinks, counters, toilets and bathrooms.
- Use dust mask while cleaning the house or storerooms to prevent further irritations and worsen the condition.
- Keep food stuffs in closed containers. Food wastes and pet foods should be kept in closed trash cans.
- Repair leaky pipes, broken covering for the drain and damaged manhole.
- Use insect repellents such as boric acid.
- Wash hands properly with soap and water before eating if accidentally having a direct contact with the allergen.
- Breastfeed children for 4-6 months or over to increase immunity of the body and lessen susceptibility to allergies.
FACT CHECK
https://acaai.org/allergies/types/cockroach-allergy
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/nasal-allergy-trigger-cockroaches