Guide on Cockroach Allergy: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
A cockroach allergy can make each day a battle to manage your health and peace of mind. Understanding cockroach allergy, why it happens, and what to do for cockroach control is an effortful process that results in you countering annoying pests and safeguarding your health. Let’s break the process down in this guide on allergies from roaches.
All About Detecting, Diagnosing, and Managing Cockroach Allergy
Can cockroaches cause allergies? It may leave you surprised to learn that roach allergy is actually very common, especially amongst the urban population. Not only are roaches one of the most common pests in Dubai homes, but also major causes of allergy symptoms.
While cockroach bite allergy is uncommon, as roaches rarely bite and only when an infestation is severe, these pests are known to affect breathing. Cockroaches, including German roaches found commonly in Dubai, have allergenic proteins that trigger reactions in many people.
It is estimated that up to 60% of people who have existing breathing issues and asthma also have IgE antibodies for cockroaches. These IgE antibodies trigger the immune response against allergens, hence the reason you face discomfort when you have roaches in your home or workplace.
How To Tell You Are Allergic to Cockroaches
We’ve established that the answer to ‘can you be allergic to cockroaches’ is a definite yes. That said, there can be some overlap in linking your allergy symptoms to cockroaches vs. other causes like dust and pollen. However, you can identify your health problems as cockroach sickness symptoms if you pay careful attention:
Respiratory Issues
Being around cockroach allergens can lead to trouble with breathing, paired with coughing and wheezing. You may experience these symptoms in full force at night as cockroaches get active after it is dark and quiet.
Sneezing and Congestion
Roach allergens can lead to sneezing and nasal congestion, more severe in case you are highly allergic, or the infestation around you is a serious one. You may experience a blocked or runny nose with sneezing.
Reactions on the Skin
You can have skin allergies if you often face direct exposure to cockroach allergens, with the skin being itchy and ridden with red rashes or hives.
It is important to remember that these cockroach allergy symptoms are similar to other common signs of allergies like dust and pollen. Therefore, you need to pinpoint the specific cause of your health troubles to identify and manage a potential cockroach allergy. Start with a visit to your healthcare professional who gets your medical history and assesses your symptoms meticulously. There are two main allergy testing methods to uncover an allergy to roaches:
Skin Prick Test: A skin prick test helps identify specific allergies. A healthcare expert will apply tiny amounts of allergens to your skin and make a small prick. There will be a small raised bump at the site of the test if you are allergic to cockroaches.
Blood Test: A specific IgE blood test shows how many antibodies your immune system makes when exposed to allergens. This test can verify if you have a roach allergy, as well as how severe it is.
For numerous individuals allergic to cockroaches, their symptoms may become persistent regardless of the season. The good news is that you can follow some measures to minimize cockroach sickness symptoms and lead a comfortable life.
Keeping Cockroaches Out of Your Space
Stopping cockroach infestations is the initial step in managing cockroaches allergies. Much like dealing with bed bug bites or reducing exposure to diseases spread by rodents, you need proven preventive measures to keep roaches away.
Even without allergies, roaches are not a welcome sight and presence. Add allergic reactions to the mix, and effective cockroach prevention becomes urgent. Let’s see how you can go about keeping these critters away.
Consistency in Overall Hygiene
While roaches invade buildings unbiased, it is important to remember that they look for food and shelter. So, you cut off their means of survival. Pay special attention to cleaning the kitchen, disposing of food crumbs, and wiping all surfaces. Using a disinfectant is a great step to get rid of roaches and other common pests and manage a cockroach allergy.
Cut Off Food Sources
Organic trash in the bin and fresh food leftovers left outside are equally appetizing to cockroaches. Make sure you store food in airtight containers before storage. For food that you need to leave outside, add mesh net covers. Regularly dispose of trash and make sure that garbage cans have secure lids.
Eliminate Moisture and Standing Water
Pests like cockroaches and mosquitoes thrive in moist environments, commonly in kitchens and bathrooms in any space. Here is what you can do to counter this issue:
- Fix any dripping or damaged, leaky faucets or pipes.
- Mop away standing water regularly indoors and outdoors.
- Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like attics and basements.
Sealing Cockroach Entry Points
Cockroaches, like most crawling insects, make their way into your home or workplace using unimaginable small cracks and gaps in the walls and flooring, plus the door and window frames. Keep cockroaches out by sealing up cracks and crevices. Also, apply weatherstripping around doors and windows to fill any gaps.
Professional Inspection and Prevention
If you have a large space that becomes difficult to examine for all cockroach entry points and hotspots, consider getting professional help. Certified pest exterminators in Dubai can search your home, office, restaurant, or any commercial space from top to bottom. They have the insights and expertise to locate problems swiftly and provide guidance and services for control.
Symptom Management for Allergies to Cockroaches
Aside from keeping pests at bay, you also need to address the cockroach allergy itself. In addition to lowering exposure to allergens, treating symptoms will help you spend your day and sleep without physical and mental stress.
Eliminating Allergens
It helps to maintain a clean home or workplace to lower allergens. Wipe surfaces with a wet cloth and clean floors often, ideally using a mild disinfectant. Additionally, use vacuum cleaners and air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters to limit environmental triggers.
Allergy Medications
You can get OTC antihistamines for mild symptoms, but serious cockroaches allergies require a doctor’s consultation and prescription for stronger drugs. Your healthcare advisor may also recommend immunotherapy after an allergy diagnosis.
Personal Hygiene
Knowing the answer to ‘can roaches cause allergies’, you should focus on personal cleanliness as one of the allergy relief alternatives. Since coming in contact with contaminated surfaces also results in allergy symptoms, washing your hands after cleaning or handling items that might be contaminated with cockroach allergens helps with health safety.
Caring For Your Health with Cockroach Pest Control
A cockroach allergy can greatly affect your quality of life, but the good news is that the right methods to tackle both the allergy and the cause can make these manageable. A surefire way to prevent and eliminate cockroaches is by hiring professional pest control services who specialize in roaches.
At Pest Control Dubai, our technicians are skilled at locating and removing cockroach infestations in homes and business properties. Reach out to us now to book an inspection and take the first step toward health safety.
