While cockroaches have long been known to trigger asthma in sensitive individuals, their effects on schoolchildren were only recently discovered.
"Little is known about the school environment as a potential source of cockroach allergen exposure," the researchers said.
The culprit, according to Dr. Sampson Sarpong, one of the researchers, is the cockroach protein "Bla g 1" that he and his colleagues described as "the most predominant indoor allergen in the city."
Dust samples collected from four urban primary schools, including dust vacuumed from 98 classrooms and from kitchens, cafeteria, offices, teachers’ lounges, gyms and hallways, yielded detectable levels of Bla g 1. The classrooms and kitchens yielded high levels of Bla g 1 that could cause asthma attacks in allergic youngsters.
Regular thorough cleaning of infested areas and the use of pesticides can control this common pest and hopefully reduce asthma incidence in these areas. However, irritating pesticide sprays should not be used in the presence of asthmatics.
To control severe asthma attacks, your child may need a nebulizer. Aerosol therapy using the PulmoMist Personal Ultrasonic Nebulizer is the treatment preferred by many doctors not only for asthma but also for bronchitis, emphysema and other respiratory disorders.
This handy, lightweight device reduces liquid medicines into a fine mist that penetrates deep into the lungs, providing fast, safe and effective relief from the above conditions. It’s easy to use and ideal for people with problems with metered dose inhalers or those who want fast treatments anytime, anywhere.
No electrical outlet? No problem! The PulmoMist Personal Ultrasonic Nebulizer runs on rechargeable batteries or a car cigarette lighter. That’s convenience you won’t find in other devices. For more information, call the Medical Center Trading Corp. at 637-9504 or 631-1715 to 17.