Introduction
Asthma has become the most common chronic disease among children worldwide and is also common in adults. The increases in the prevalence and economic burden of asthma in India are worrying. Read on to know more about how cockroaches can trigger asthma.
Prevalence of Cockroach Allergy
Asthma is triggered by allergens, which are substances which trigger an allergic reaction, hence leading to asthma symptoms. The cockroach represents one of the most common sources of indoor allergens worldwide. As many as 30% of middle-class homes have detectable levels of cockroach allergens.
In city populations, about 60% of children with asthma are sensitized to cockroach allergens and in rural populations, the sensitization rate is about 20%.
Role of Cockroach Exposure
Cockroach exposure has been linked to cockroach sensitization and allergic respiratory symptoms. It is one of the strongest risk factors for the development of asthma in the Indian population.
How do Cockroach Allergens Cause Asthma?
Exposure to cockroach allergens is important in causing sensitization to these allergens. Proteins derived from cockroach faeces, saliva, eggs, and shed cuticles have been implicated as leading causes of asthma.
It is by inhalation of these cockroach allergens that leads to allergic responses in humans. These cockroach particles can gain access to the lungs by lodging in the nose/mouth. From here it can provoke allergic reactions by allergen-induced damage or direct contact with cells of the respiratory tract. This damage triggers the asthma symptoms by interfering with the functioning of the respiratory mechanism.
Read Also: Allergy and Asthma Treatment Guide
Genetic Basis for Cockroach Allergy
Research has shown that there is a genetic basis for allergen-induced sensitization to cockroaches. Certain genes linked to HLA have been found to be a risk factor in the development of cockroach allergy-related asthma.
It is important to note that environmental exposure also plays a role in asthma by interacting with genetic factors in genetically susceptible individuals. Therefore it is the combination of genetics and environmental factors that puts a person at high risk of asthma development.
What Are the Effects of Cockroach Exposure in Children and Adults?
It has been found that exposure to cockroach allergens may put the immune system of fetuses at risk before birth itself and can contribute to the development of asthma.
Cockroach exposure has been linked to the development of wheezing in young children. By inhalation of cockroach extract, a significant decrease in lung function can be observed in persons having with a cockroach allergy
Link Between Cockroach Exposure and Worsening of Asthma
There is a strong relationship between cockroach allergen exposure and exacerbation of asthma, especially in adults who are sensitized to cockroach allergens. Moreover, cockroach-sensitized patients exposed to higher levels of cockroach allergens in their homes have greater asthma symptom severity, particularly among children.
The rate of hospitalization for asthma is about 3 times higher among children who test positive for cockroach allergens. These children also have 80% more visits to hospitals, significantly more wheezing, and missed more school days compared to other children.
Cockroach Allergy Testing
Cockroach allergy is diagnosed with cockroach crude extract via skin testing or by measurement of specific IgE (antibodies) to cockroach allergens.
Cockroach allergen-specific IgE levels have been shown to be correlated with allergen exposure. It also correlated with symptoms of asthma in the affected persons.
Read Also: Is Asthma a Communicable Disease?
What Can I Do to Avoid the Development of Cockroach Allergen Sensitivity?
The best way to avoid the development of cockroach allergen sensitivity is by eliminating exposure to cockroaches especially in your homes.
Tips to eliminate cockroaches from homes:
- Maintain cleanliness in all the rooms of your home especially the kitchen and bathroom.
- Avoid keeping any food or water sources open as it can attract cockroaches.
- Wipe all surfaces and floors regularly with disinfectant.
- Avoid any piles of newspapers, cardboard boxes or garbage which can be a breeding place for cockroaches.
- If your home is already infested with cockroaches, it is best to contact pest control services.
Conclusion
There are years of research dedicated to improving outcomes for persons with asthma, which improves our understanding of how cockroach allergens can trigger asthma. It is important to avoid exposure to cockroaches, especially in young children.
Genetics may increase the risk of developing cockroach-related sensitivity. Testing for cockroach allergy is possible. Appropriate treatment must be sought in case of cockroach allergy/asthma symptom development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms of cockroach allergy include sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, stuffy nose, itchiness in the throat or skin rashes.
If the cockroach triggers your asthma, an asthmatic patient can experience shortness of breath, chest pain and difficulty with sleep due to wheezing.
Cockroach allergy is diagnosed by tests such as an allergy test on the skin and a blood test, which measures the antibodies (IgE) in the blood.
It is important to avoid any exposure to cockroaches. Medications are available to treat the symptoms, such as antihistamines, steroids, decongestants and other anti-inflammatory drugs.
It is vital to consult a pulmonologist if symptoms of cockroach allergy or worsening of asthma with cockroach exposure is experienced. A pulmonologist will assess your symptoms, conduct the appropriate test and treat the allergy/asthma by prescribing medications for it.