Dr Gayatri S Pandit Podcast

A cockroach allergy is one of the most common causes of year-round (perennial) allergies and asthma, particularly in densely populated and urban environments. Cockroaches release allergens through their saliva, feces, and shedding body parts, which mix with household dust and become airborne. When these tiny particles are inhaled or come into contact with the skin or eyes, they can trigger strong allergic reactions in sensitized individuals.

In people who are sensitive, exposure to cockroach allergens activates the immune system, causing it to overreact to these otherwise harmless substances. This leads to the release of inflammatory chemicals such as histamine, resulting in typical allergy symptoms. These may include frequent sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, nasal itching, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. In children and adults with asthma, cockroach allergens are a well-known trigger for asthma attacks and poor asthma control.