Indoor Insects: An Often Overlooked Cause of Allergy Symptoms

DUST MITES - COCKROACHES

The following is a discussion of some of the more commonly occurring allergic reactions to indoor insects. This reaction can range from minor to a very major anaphylactic reaction latter of which is rare.

Some people are only "freaked out" by the sight of cockroaches, yet others suffer from persistent allergic symptoms that last for months. Another great example: Many people don't know that dust mites exist and have nagging allergy symptoms to these almost invisible insects that live in dusty carpets and furniture.

Two insects that notably cause allergic-type respiratory symptoms are microscopic dust mites and cockroaches. Dust mites are everywhere. If you have one of these insect allergies, you might have one or more of the following ongoing or intermittent symptoms:

•   Red, watery, and itchy eyes

•   A runny and itchy nose

•   Sneezing, possibly coughing

• ​  A skin rash/hives, itching

•   An extended area of swelling (edema) at the sting site

•   Coughing, wheezing, chest tightness

•   Possibly asthma-like symptoms

•   Anaphylaxis

Using an Inhaler for Allergy-Related Wheezing

Indoor Insects: An Often Overlooked Cause of Allergy Symptoms: Common Indoor Insects (Cockroaches and Dust Mites)

​For most people, seeing a cockroach grosses them out. But others may respond physically and demonstrate allergic symptoms. The information below addresses more severe reactions/ allergies to common household insects. 

Household insects of particular concern are dust mites and cockroaches. According to WebMD, more than 20 million people in the US have allergies to dust mites  (1). Dust mites are so tiny that we cannot see them. They can live in fabrics around the house, like bedding, furniture upholstery, and carpets. They are commonly found in warm and humid conditions. The dust mites are not actually the cause of the allergy - mite excrement and decaying bodies of the mites cause the allergic reaction, which all gets mixed in with dust. This is why these are also called "dust allergies."

The incidence of cockroach allergies is anywhere from 17- 41% (2).

Symptoms of Indoor Insect Allergies

​These problems easily go unrecognized. However, allergies to these pests should be considered if a person suffers from the following ongoing symptoms with no clear explanation until allergy testing is done:

• Sneezing

• Itchy and runny nose ("allergic solute" - crease near the tip of the nose (from chronically wiping the nose - upward),

• Itchy, red, or watery eyes

• "Allergic shiners" - a dark or bluish color under the eyes

• Nasal congestion

• Pale nasal mucosa, which is inside the nostrils (this is usually pink)

• Itching of throat or mouth

• Postnasal drip (a flow of mucus from behind your nose into your throat)

• Chronic hacky cough

• Itchy skin or skin rash

• Asthma symptoms (shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness)

  For individuals experiencing these symptoms without a known cause, it’s worth considering Indoor Insects: An Often Overlooked Cause of Allergy Symptoms—particularly from cockroaches and dust mites, which are frequently underestimated culprits.”

Conventional Over-the-Counter Treatment of Indoor Insect Allergies   

Oral:                       

• Oral antihistamines like Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Fexofenadine (Allegra), loratadine (Claritin), Xyzal, and others. Nasal corticosteroids like fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex), Nasocort (Triamcinolone) Nasal antihistamines like azelastine (Astelin)                                                          

• Oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine  (Sudafed)   

  
  

  Nasal

• Astepro ( (nasal steroid/antihistamine)     

• Nasal decongestants like oxymetazoline (Afrin).                     

Note: None of the decongestants are ideal because of their potential                                   side effects: Sudafed can increase blood pressure and cause insomnia;

Afrin can only be used for up to three days, or it will cause rebound congestion, and you will not be able to breathe without it! So, the stuff is great, but beware of these.

Note: Some of the above are over the counter, but can ALSO be prescribed by your provider -

Sometimes, if prescribed, your insurance will cover it.    

Alternative Approaches to Indoor Insect Allergies

• Nasal irrigation/Neti pot (1-2 times/ week - if tolerated)     

• Eucalyptus or diffused lavender oil   

• Dehumidifier (dust mites like a humid  atmosphere)   

• Air purifier  

• Apple cider vinegar

• Turmeric/curcumin (oral)       

• Teas: Nettle, peppermint, Tulsi tea, Green tea, licorice, ginger, and cinnamon  

Prescriptive Treatment of Indoor Insect Allergies 

Several prescriptive medicines may help if other measures do not work:

• Oral leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast (Singulair)

  Note: Singulair is getting a bad rap these days because some users are reporting depression as a side effect. A recent study reported that 32 per 1000 people on Singulair reported depression.

  
  

• Cromolyn sodium is a nose spray that blocks the release of chemicals that cause allergy symptoms, including histamine and leukotrienes. This medicine has few side effects, but you must take it four times daily.

• Allergy testing and treatment (allergy shots or drops).

Other important approaches-

Eliminate sources of the insects as much as possible:

DUST MITES -

•  Try to remove carpets and use wood flooring if possible.

•  Decrease humidity.

•  Use hypoallergenic pillowcases and mattress covers.

•  Dust often - use a damp cloth.

•  Lower household temp to 70 degrees or less.

•  Wash bedding twice a week.

•  Vacuum (with HEPA filter) - carpets and upholstery twice weekly (opt for non-fabric upholstery if possible).

•  Use houseplants to help clear dust (examples include Aloe vera, Bamboo Palm, Chinese   Evergreen, English Ivy, Betel Leaf Plant, Ferns, Philodendron, Fittonia, Gerbera daisy, and pot mum.

• Try to keep pets out of the areas where you spend most of your time.

COCKROACHES -

• Keep your house CLEAN.

• Cover all trash cans tightly.

• Store food in airtight containers. This includes food kept in cabinets and on counters.

• Clean all dirty dishes. Please do not leave them in the sink or on the counter.

• Sweep food crumbs from the counters, stovetop, tables, and floor. Wipe up spills. Vacuum and mop floors regularly.

• Oddly enough, cockroaches also like to scurry about in piles of papers and magazines. Do not allow these to pile up.

• Avoid leaving pet food out in a bowl. Clean the bowl regularly, like other dirty dishes.

• Fix leaky pipes under sinks and in the basement—cockroaches like damp places.

• Try some diatomaceous earth in cracks and corners.

• Seal cracks in the walls and floors where cockroaches can enter your home.

• Use cockroach baits and traps. Don't use sprays. They can irritate allergies and asthma.

To learn more about other insect bites and stings, see insect bites and stings

                                                               .