Health Conditions That Can Be Aggravated Or Caused By Cockroach Infestations

Cockroaches are not only a revolting nuisance in the home, they are also unhealthy. A cockroach infestation can both aggravate and cause certain health conditions in a home's residents. This makes it all the more important to eradicate a cockroach infestation as soon as possible.

The following are a few examples of health conditions affected or caused by cockroaches:

Allergies

There are many substances that act as allergens in humans that are produced by cockroaches. These substances can be found in the saliva secretions and within the bodies of cockroaches.

Exposure to allergens produced by cockroaches can cause reactions including sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, skin rashes, and eye irritation. 

Asthma

Those who suffer from chronic asthma know how serious this condition can be. In fact, asthma attacks can have fatal consequences.

The allergens produced by cockroaches can provoke asthma attacks when they are inhaled. In homes where asthma patients reside, it's a good idea to get an air filter after a cockroach infestation has been eradicated to restore pure air in the home. 

E. coli, Salmonella, and other types of food poisoning

It's possible for cockroaches to transmit various pathogens that cause food poisoning. Studies have shown that cockroaches are capable of carrying at least 30 different species of bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella.

Bacteria can reside in the gut of a cockroach or on the surface of the cockroach's body. Naturally, cockroaches will be attracted to any food in a home's kitchen, and they can contaminate that food by simply walking on it and leaving dead skin cells behind. 

Those experiencing a cockroach infestation will need to put extra effort into protecting their food supply to prevent food contamination or poisoning from causing unpleasant symptoms such as diarrhea, urinary tract infections, vomiting, and more. 

Bites

While cockroaches may not be as likely to bite humans as bed bugs or mosquitoes, they will attempt to eat human flesh if they are in search of food. Cockroach bites can cause swelling and discomfort. It is also possible for cockroach bite wounds to become infected. 

Bodily invasion

Perhaps the most disturbing of all, cockroaches can invade the body through orifices including the nose and ears.

There have been cases of small cockroaches climbing into patients' orifices while they were sleeping or inactive. This can cause health complications, discomfort, and extreme distress, so it's important to contact an exterminator immediately in homes where cockroaches have been found in the bedroom. For more information, contact a company like Steve's Pest Management.

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