Allergy Treatment Begins At Home Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - What do I do with those ghastly cockroaches? on MedicineNet

MedicineNet.com

About Us|Privacy Policy|Site Map
February 10, 2012

Allergy Treatment Begins At Home (cont.)

What do I do with those ghastly cockroaches?

Elimination of cockroaches is best accomplished by using a professional exterminator. However, this is only the first step. After the cockroaches have been eliminated, the areas they inhabited must be thoroughly cleaned since their residual debris is highly allergenic. Entry points should be sealed to prevent re-infestation. Use covered trash bins and empty then frequently. Do not store cardboard boxes, newspapers, grocery bags, or empty cans and bottles in your home as they can serve as breeding areas.

Effectiveness of Avoidance Measures

Allergen - Dust Mites

  • Most Effective
    • Dust Covers
    • Weekly hot water washing of bedding
    • Carpet Removal
    • Keep rooms cool and dry
  • Possibly Effective
    • Chemical treatment of carpet
  • Least Effective
    • Air duct cleaning
    • Special vacuum cleaners
    • Air filters

Allergen - Cockroaches

  • Most Effective
    • Extermination with regular cleaning
  • Possibly Effective
    • Elimination of food and water sources
  • Least Effective
    • Extermination without regular cleaning

Allergen - Cats

  • Most Effective
    • Complete removal of cat
  • Possibly Effective
    • Move cat outdoors
  • Least Effective
    • Air filters
    • Carpet cleaners
    • Cat washing
Allergy Treatment At A Glance
  • Avoidance is always the best treatment for allergies.
  • There are many easy cleaning methods that can significantly decrease allergies.
  • Controlling the air quality and climate of your home can bring you tremendous health benefits.
  • If you are going to keep a pet that is a source of allergies, there are measures that you can take to optimize your home environment.

Last Editorial Review: 4/15/2002



MedicineNet Doctors

Suggested Reading on Allergy Treatment Begins At Home by Our Doctors

  • Related Diseases & Conditions

    • Eczema
      • Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a general term for many types of skin inflammation. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis. The other forms of eczema include: contact eczema, seborrheic eczema, Nummular eczema, Neurodermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of eczema may vary from person to person and may depend on the type of eczema.
    • Chronic Rhinitis and Post-Nasal Drip
      • Allergic rhinitis symptoms include an itchy, runny nose, sneezing, itchy ears, eyes, and throat. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) is usually caused by pollen in the air. Perennial allergic rhinitis is a type of chronic rhinitis and is a year–round problem, often caused by indoor allergens, such as dust, animal dander, and pollens that may exist at the time. Treatment of chronic rhinitis and post nasal drip are dependant upon the type of rhinitis condition.
    • Allergy
      • An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
    • Hoarseness
      • Hoarseness (abnormal deep, harsh, raspy voice) is caused by a variety of conditions in which the larynx (voice box and vocal chords) are irritated or injured. Examples of causes of hoarseness include: laryngitis, straining the vocal cords by yelling or screaming, infections, GERD, allergies, and more. Treatment of hoarseness depends on the cause.
    • Asthma in Children
      • Asthma, the main cause of chronic illness in children, has signs and symptoms in children that include frequent coughing spells, low energy while playing, complaints of chest "hurting," wheezing while breathing, shortness of breath, and feelings of tiredness. Treatment will involve a doctor creating an asthma action plan which will describe the use of asthma medications and when to seek emergency care for the child.
    • Hay Fever
      • Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
    • Nasal Allergy Medications
    • Indoor Allergens
      • Common sources of indoor allergens include dust mites, cockroaches, molds, pets, and plants. Managing allergies caused by indoor allergens means reducing your exposure to them.
    • Biorhythms
      • Biologic rhythms, or biorhythms, are how our bodies respond to the regular phases of the sun, moon, and seasons. A medical chronobiologist studies how the "body clock" or biorhythms affect diseases and how the body clock responds to treatment of diseases and conditions at different times of the day.
    • Allergic Cascade
  • Medications

  • Procedures & Tests

  • Pictures, Images & Illustrations

  • Doctor's & Expert's Views

  • Health News

  • Health Features

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.



Symptom Checker: Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain





Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick,
    easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including
    24 hour
    pharmacies