Everything You Should Know About Roaches and Allergies

Nobody welcomes cockroaches into their home, but sometimes they sneak in anyway. These pests aren’t just unappealing; they pose major allergy and asthma risks due to their saliva, droppings, and skin shedding.

If you have allergy symptoms but can’t find the source, it’s possible that your home is one of the 63% of U.S. residences that contain cockroach allergens. Make sure you understand how to identify and diagnose your cockroach allergy so you can efficiently eliminate the source of your symptoms.

Why Do Allergies Develop?

There are certain substances in the environment, like ragweed in the fall and pollen in the spring, that can trigger the immune system to act as if it is fighting off a foreign invader. When the immune system jumps to action like that, it creates histamines in the bloodstream that create unpleasant reactions like coughing, nasal congestion, skin rash, wheezing, and ear and sinus infections.

Your Cockroach Allergy

The German cockroach is the most troublesome in homes and is directly associated with causing asthma and allergy symptoms, The American Cockroach, also known as the Palmetto Bug in the south, is just as common and problematic. Since roaches adapt easily to most environments and are attracted to the warmth of buildings and homes at night, it’s possible to suffer from roach allergies all year long.

The following symptoms indicate that you could have a roach infestation causing allergies to roach saliva, waste, and body parts:

  • Sneezing and coughing
  • Runny nose and congestion
  • Itchy, red, and watery eyes
  • Itchy skin or skin rash
  • Asthma conditions like chest tightness and difficulty breathing

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A Quick Guide to Allergies

Allergies encompass so much more than just sneezing and itchy eyes. You might have food allergies, pet allergies, or seasonal allergies that cause uncomfortable symptoms or even put you in danger of severe reactions. Fortunately, lab tests can determine which specific allergies are causing your issues so you can seek the best treatment and finally feel comfortable again.

Food Allergies

A true food allergy can develop at any age when the body’s immune system overreacts and identifies an otherwise safe food as a danger, stimulating a response to fight the “dangerous” food away. About five percent of the population suffers from this type of allergy and must eliminate the foods that cause the allergic reactions. (more…)

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