Cockroaches trigger asthma, allergy in children

If you spot cockroaches at your work place or at home then asthma is one more disease you should be scared of.

Experts have observed that cockroaches are the main carrier that can trigger asthma and allergies in people, especially in children.

"One of the most common causes of asthma in children around the world is a house dust mite, which live in the mattresses, pillows, carpets in the house. The second most common cause is cockroaches. The droppings of these cockroaches are a major allergen and cause asthma in children," says Dr Sanjeev Mehta, chest physician, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai.

When most people think of allergy triggers, they often focus on plant pollens, dust, animals and stinging insects. In fact, cockroaches also can trigger allergies and asthma. A fact that is less known, he says.

An analysis done by group of doctors confirm that frequent hospital admissions of city children with asthma often is directly related to their contact with cockroach allergens.

Cockroach allergy was first reported in 1943, when skin rashes appeared immediately after the insects crawled over patients' skin. Skin tests first confirmed patients had cockroach allergy in 1959.

In the 1970s, studies made it clear that patients with cockroach allergies develop acute asthma attacks. The attacks occur after inhaling cockroach allergens and last for hours.

Asthma has steadily increased over the past 30 years. It is the most common chronic disease of childhood, experts say.

Cockroaches are reported to spread 33 kinds of bacteria, 6 kinds of parasitic worms and at least 7 other human viral and bacterial pathogens and is significant cause of the alarmingly rise in asthma in urban areas, particularly in children, Dr Mehta says.

Cockroach allergen is believed to derive from feces, saliva and the bodies of these insects. Cockroaches live all over the world, from tropical areas to the coldest spots on earth.

If you are among those who crave for modern homes then there are more chances of you becoming prone to 'Cockroach allergy'. Private homes, especially those which are well insulated harbour them in great number. When one cockroach is seen in the basement or kitchen, it is safe to assume that at least 800 cockroaches are hidden under the kitchen sink, in closets and the like, says the doctor.

Though, those in the field have their own say in the matter. According to the pest control firms, there are many products in the market that claims to uproot the problem.

"Cockroaches carry numerous diseases and replicate in large numbers. There is no such thing as a one-time fix. It is necessary to curb the menace in its infancy through some disinfectant sprays and make sure that there is no recurrence of the problem," says Nikhil Chatterjee, Vice President - Marketing, Pest Control of India.

"We receive 30 calls everyday from people on controlling cockroaches. Most of the callers have confirmed that their children suffer from 'Cockroach allergy'," says Nikhil, adding that the treatment comes between Rs 2500-3000 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Initially, it is difficult to ascertain the cause behind allergy. Its early detection and cure helps one from facing lot of discomfort, say the doctor.