The most common type of insect allergen that is a factor in triggering asthma symptoms is the cockroach. Most people don't like to think about cockroaches, but a protein in their droppings is one of the most common indoor asthma triggers for people who live in densely-populated, urban environments.
Cockroaches have existed for hundreds of millions of years. They thrive in warm, moist environments, and they love moving into the homes and offices of humans.
Cockroach Facts
Cockroaches get into a house through wall cracks, windows, gaps in floors or wood trim, cellars, drains, and doors that leads outdoors. They need water in order to live and they will seek wet areas in the home such as leaky pipes and faucets.
Cockroaches also tend to be found where there are open garbage containers or food left out in the open. The cleaner a home, the less welcome roaches feel.
Other Insect Allergens
Other insect droppings may also trigger asthma symptoms in certain people. An emerging problem appears to be Asian Ladybugs. These insects were purposely introduced in the United States to fight aphids, but have since become a problem on the East Coast and in the South, especially during cold weather when they seek warm indoor spaces.
There is some evidence that Asian Ladybugs may cause the same kinds of asthma problems as cockroaches.
Another type of insect allergen is found outdoors, in the form of stinging insects. Stinging insects trigger allergies, not asthma. But it is still important for people with asthma to know about stinging insects, because the combination of such an allergy with asthma can be life-threatening.
Here are some great tips on avoiding indoor insect allergens.
Source:
AAAAI, "Tips to remember: indoor allergens." American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. 01 January 2006. AAAAI. 29 Oct 2007 http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/indoorallergens.stm
AAAAI, "Tips to remember: stinging insect allergy." American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. 01 January 2006. AAAAI. 30 Oct 2007 http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/stinginginsect.stm
Nakazawa T, Satinover SM, Naccara L, et al. Asian Ladybugs(Harmonia axyridis): A New Seasonal Indoor Allergen. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007; 119: 421-7.
