Health
Childhood asthma and cockroaches
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted March 28, 2005
Cockroach allergen was found to worsen asthma symptoms among inner-city children more than either dust mite or pet allergens, according to findings from a nationwide study published in the March Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Cockroach allergens come from saliva, fecal material, secretions and cast-off exoskeletons as well as from dead roaches.
The study also showed marked geographic differences in allergen exposure. Researchers found that a majority of homes in Chicago and New York City had cockroach allergen levels high enough to trigger asthma symptoms, while a majority of homes in Dallas and Seattle had dust mite allergen levels above the asthma symptom threshold.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/03/28/hlbf0328.htm.
