Breathing Problems: How to Deal With Cockroaches
Vacuums and household cleaners will remove
cockroach antigens, but you must carefully clean
every nook and corner. Cockroaches live in
groups where they can get food and water. You
will find most antigens in these areas.
How do you exterminate
cockroaches?
You can kill cockroaches with baits or traps, or
by spraying pesticides. If you have COPD,
fumes from pesticides can trigger symptoms.
Try using baits or traps before you decide to
spray. If you need to spray, limit the spray to
the infested area. Avoid spraying in food
preparation or storage areas.
Cockroaches leave behind particles from their
feces, eggs, and shells that can cause an allergic
reaction. These particles, called antigens, can
travel through the air, and you can breathe them
into your lungs. They can cause coughing,
sneezing, itchy eyes, and trouble breathing. They
also worsen chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) and other breathing problems
such as asthma. You may even have an allergic
reaction when you get cockroach antigens on
your skin.
It may be best to use a professional
extermination company.
How do you keep your home
cockroach-free?
Here are some steps you can take:
• Clean often. Pay special attention to carpets,
upholstery, and bedding.
• Keep your house dry. Increase ventilation to
get rid of moisture.
• Keep all food in sealed containers.
How do you avoid cockroach
antigens?
Just getting rid of the cockroaches is not enough,
because their antigens stay behind. These
particles can cause allergic reactions for years
after cockroaches are gone.
The only way to fully get rid of
cockroach antigens is to kill, or
exterminate, the insects, and then
clean thoroughly.
• Never leave food out, especially at night.
This includes pet food.
• Wash your dishes as soon as you are done
eating.
• As soon as you finish preparing food, clean
your kitchen.
• Clean all appliances well. Clean all spots that
can collect moisture or food, such as the drip
pan under the refrigerator, the crumb tray in
your toaster, under your stove, and the area
under stove burners.
• Make sure all of your trash cans have lids
that close tightly.
• Throw away or recycle mail, newspapers,
and boxes. Cockroaches can hide in these
items.
• Seal openings that cockroaches can use to
enter your house. Pay special attention to
windows, cracks in the wall, and gaps in the
floor.
What are other COPD or asthma
triggers?
Cockroaches are one of many environmental
triggers that can make COPD and other
breathing problems worse. Other triggers
include:
• Poor air quality.
• Tobacco smoke.
• Colds, the flu, or other respiratory infections.
• Wood smoke.
• Solvents, cleaning supplies, or other
chemicals.
• Things you may be allergic to, such as:
◦ Dust mites.
◦ Pet hair, skin, or saliva.
◦ Mold.
◦ Pollen.
• Poorly maintained appliances that release
gases, particles, or fumes.
If you are not sure what may be causing COPD
or asthma symptoms, you can take steps to avoid
all of these triggers.
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of this information, which does not replace medical advice. 2014-09-zu1519