A variety of things can make asthma or allergy symptoms worse. These are called “triggers.” Your doctor can help you figure out what your child’s triggers are.
Cockroaches are a common trigger for many kids.
How Do Cockroaches Trigger Symptoms?
Cockroaches have a protein in their shed body parts, saliva (spit), and droppings (poop) that can set off a person’s asthma or allergy symptoms. Cockroach allergy symptoms are similar to those of any airborne allergy and can include sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and congestion.
How Can I Help My Child Deal With Symptoms?
- Have your home professionally exterminated every few months. Between these treatments, use bait traps to catch roaches (not aerosol sprays, which can make some kids’ symptoms worse).
- Avoid saving boxes, paper bags, or newspapers in piles around your home.
- Don’t leave open food containers or dirty dishes lying around your kitchen.
- Keep counters free of crumbs or spills.
- Keep garbage containers closed.
- Wash recyclables before putting them in the bin.
- Seal any cracks in walls and floors.
- Remove all food and water sources that can attract cockroaches.
- Clean floors (vacuum, mopping, etc.) and countertops often to reduce allergen exposure.
